February 13, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Richard III: Is This “Good Enough” for Santa Monica?:

Editor-at-Large

To paraphrase the great Bard, “This is the question: Is it better to have a poor production of Shakespeare than to never have had one at all?” After sitting through the opening night of Shakespeare Santa Monica’s production of Richard III, this reviewer would have to vote for “never have had one at all.”

That said, the intention of this review is not to bury the good intentions of this organization, which is in its third year, but more to ask why. Why would you allow Allen Williams (Lord Stanley, Earl of Derby) to set a foot on stage reading from his script and call it a performance? This directorial choice by Louis Scheeder violates a basic truth of theatre, which asks the audience to suspend its disbelief and enter into a world of imaginary circumstances – to join you in an intellectual and emotional experience. A script on stage clearly destroys that contract. Why would you allow a play to open which is clearly under-rehearsed and where most of the actors, when not missing or stepping on cues, are giving no more than line readings, often without vocal clarity?

Set in modern dress, with costumes ranging from business suits to “fashionable” torn jeans and gimmicky shoe skates, several performances were polished. Stefan Wolfert’s Richard, Duke of Gloucester/King Richard III, was multi-layered, capturing the pure evil delight and physical life of his character, and Traci Thomas’ Queen Margaret was one of the few cast members with a sub-textual component to her characterization as well as very interesting choices for her vocal and physical life. The rest of the cast was uniformly uneven, with performances ranging from somewhat professional to rank amateurism.

It is a noble cause to bring Shakespeare to the people, and one would hope that the company, under the artistic vision of John Farmanesh-Bocca, founding Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Monica, continues to grow and flourish. Hopefully, The Taming of the Shrew and Twelfth Night, which are part of the repertoire, will be at a higher professional standard.

Part of Shakespeare Santa Monica’s mission statement is: “To develop an annual company, comprised of aspiring student artists and professional actors unified by their commitment to lifelong training in the classics.” Acting workshops are fabulous training grounds for study, but should not be confused with a professional production. It seems unlikely that Scheeder, founder and director of The Classical Studio at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, would present this opening night version of Richard III in any theatre in New York – from college to Equity Waiver – and incidentally, it isn’t good enough for Santa Monica either.

Richard III, through July 29, Miles Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Boulevard

7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday/3:00 p.m. Saturday

The Taming of the Shrew, through July 29, Miles Playhouse

7:30 p.m. Saturday/3:00 p.m. Sunday

Ticket prices range from $20-$25, 18 and under free when accompanied by paying adult. Reservations at 310.270.3454 or shakespearesantamonica@gmail.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...

Preferential Parking Enforcement to Resume in Santa Monica

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Residents in need of permits can apply in person at the Parking Operations Office The city of Santa Monica will...

 (Video) Beaten Dead Body Found on Santa Monica Shore

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene The Victim Was Pronounced Dead at the Scene. pic.twitter.com/88huU3goOO — Santa Monica...

Worker Relief Fund Launched for Those Impacted by Palisades Fire

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

In addition to direct relief, the county is seeking donations for the fund Los Angeles County has launched the LA...

How Much Have Palisades Property Values Slipped After the Fire?

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Property prices drop as sellers and buyers remain at odds in post-fire market Property values in Pacific Palisades have taken...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...