Review: KING LEAR Relevant Today

American Players Theater's William Brown Brings King Lear into the contemporary world, but does that make this Shakespearean Tragedy Relevant? In a word, Yes! The good King has his retirement all mapped out when lo and behold, his family all of people just refuse to cooperate.

Lear (Johnathan Smoots) simply wants to divide his Kingdom between his daughters and retire. Immediately there are issues with his most beloved Cordelia (Melisa Pereyra), who refuses to join her sisters in lying to the aging king about their love for him. Instead, sticking to the truth about sharing her heart between her father and future husband. The king, who is no prince himself, cannot get past his own ego and dismisses his favorite writing her right out of the will. Oh the misunderstandings we have in families.

The good king's two bequeathed daughters Goneril (Laura Rook) and Regan (Kelsey Brennan) then turn against him, refusing him board and turning their collective backs on him.

Meanwhile the poor Duke of Gloucester (James Ridge) appears to be betrayed by his legitimate son Edgar (Erik Parks) as witnessed by his bastard son Edmund (Marcus Truschinski). He is then besieged by misfortune, all of which is orchestrated by Edmund.

Johnathan Smoots was a giving and generous actor. He had a commanding presence, moving smoothly from owning the stage regally to quietly stepping into the background when the scene called for it. His command of the language was breath taking.

James Ridge gives an unparalleled performance as we witness him sink deeper and deeper into despair. His conveyance of the emotional trauma brought upon by betrayal was heart wrenching.

Marcus Truschinski did an outstanding job of making this writer hate him. There were times I wanted to scream out to the Poor Duke, "Don't listen to him!!!" He treason was so treacherously well played that I along with the rest of my party wanted him dead......AND....Spoiler alert! He dies.

The play has some great performances, and some very tender moments. The re-uniting of Cordelia and her beloved father brought tears. The idea of losing a family member to a misunderstanding, or writing off someone once loved, because of mis-communication feels very real and relevant in this day of twitter and text.

For further information on this or any APT show please visit the link below.

http://americanplayers.org/plays/king-lear

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren

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