AMADEUS Hits the Right Notes at the Round House in Bethesda

They could have called it Salieri or Wolfgang or Mozart. But it wouldn't have the ring to it that Amadeus has.  Remembering my Latin from my days at Somerville High School,  amo means love and deus means God. Thus, the play's title literally means "Loved by God". 

The Court Composer of  Vienna's Emperor Joseph II (an understated yet humorous Floyd King) was  Antonio Salieri (the incomparable Edward Gero) who  was a deeply religious man and the play focuses on religion. The beautiful set simulating a large cathedral (superb job by James Kronzer) comprised of four large columns, a lovely parquet floor, lighted candles on both sides of the stage and in the rear,  and an imposing Crucifix in the rear which remains the entire evening reminding  the audience  of the importance religion was in 18th century Vienna.  Salieri knew that God was present at all times.

The play in a flashback concerns Salieri, as a sickly old man, asking the question was he responsible for the death of the genius composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Playwright Peter Shaffer no question wants to replace the stereo-typical classical musician with a sort of 17th century rock star. His Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (the wonderful Toby Mulford) is young, impish, brutally honest, and wears outlandish clothing. His character reminded me of Elton John.  When the conservative Salieri first sees the young Mozart, he is chasing his future wife Constantanze (a terrific Laura C. Harris) looking for a quick assignation.  Mozart loves to giggle loudly and he does so unabashedly.

When Emperor Joseph introduces the two musicians, he asks Mozart to listen to a march Salieri has composed for the occasion.  Not only does Mozart then immediately reprise the march without music, he suggests a few small changes to make it better. (Later the theme shows up in Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute".  This is typical of his character, caring not for appropriate behavior and instead, acting out in any way he desires like a male Lady Ga Ga. This is a Mozart who could have used medication for being ADHD.

A moment to remember concerns Salieri describing a piece by Mozart. He comments, "I thought I heard the voice of God."

Director Mark Ramont keeps the pace moving along quickly and he has chosen a terrific ensemble. The highlight is the trio of actors who serve Emperor Joseph:  Baron Van Swieten (the menacing Steven Carpenter), Count Von Strack (the talented Toby Mulford) and Count Orisini-Rosenberg (who knew Jefferson A. Russell had such a comedic side to him). Rounding out the ensemble are JJ Kaczynski, Caroline Mahoney, Sabrina Mandell,  Scott McCormick, and Kenyatta Rogers.

Adding to the enjoyment were the wonderful costumes by Bill Black, terrific lighting by Matthew  Richards, Heather Fleming (wig design) and Matthew M Nielson who is responsible for the sound and the wonderful Mozart music used during the evening..

I was fortunate to see the pre-Broadway production at The National Theatre in 1980 with Tim Curry, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellon. I prize the poster I still have. It won the Tony Award in 1981 for Best Play.

Many of you may have seen the terrific movie filmed in Prague. It won the Oscar for Best Film in 1984 starring  F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce as Mozart.

Due to popular demand, there show has been extended. New performances  are on Fri. June 10 at 8, Sat. June 11 at 8 and Sunday June 12 at 3. There are specially priced $10 and $15 for patrons age 30 and under.  For tickets, call 240-644-1100 or online at www.roundhousetheatre.org.

As Emperor Joseph II would say..."Well, there it is."

Photo Credits: by Danisha Crosby

Jefferson R. Russell, Floyd King, and Tobey Mulford

Laura C. Harris and Sasha Olinick

Edward Gero

Photo Credit: Charles Shubow

The Russell family: L. to R. William Bruce Russell, Jr., Dr. William B. Russell, Robin Allen, and Jefferson A. Russell.

                            Round House Announces 2011-12 Season

Next season Round House presents two Area Premieres, an East Coast Premiere, and a World Premiere.

Fahrenheit 451 - Sept. 7 - Oct. 9, 2011.

ReEntry - October 18 -30, 2011.

Pride and Prejudice - Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, 2011.

Next Fall - Feb. 1-26, 2012.

Crown of Shadows: the wake of odysseus - April 11-May 6, 2012

Double Indemnity - May 30 to June 24, 2012.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.