BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Intimate and Engaging Production of KING LEAR

Shakespeare's King Lear can be interpreted in any number of ways. But, at it's heart, it's the tale of two families that are torn apart when their patriarchs misjudge their own offspring. King Lear turns the division of his kingdom into a test of love among his three daughters, while the Earl of Gloucester carelessly allows a note forged by his bastard son Edmund to destroy his relationship with his other son, Edgar. St. Louis Actors' Studio is presenting a slightly more scaled down and intimate production of this work that focuses our attention keenly on the story, as well as on the fine performers who populate this excellent cast.

John Contini displays an initial command that belies the descent into madness he is soon going to face due to the rather narcissistic demands he makes of his three daughters. Contini's performance is riveting, and watching his downward spiral is both sad and powerful at the same time. William Roth shows a father's deep concern as the Earl of Gloucester, but that only makes his betrayal of Edgar seem all the more unreasonable. Still, it's hard not to pity a man who has his eyes gouged out, even if that's what it takes for him to come to his senses.

Meghan Maguire and Missy Heinemann make an especially evil pair of twisted sisters as Goneril and Regan, respectively. Heinemann's Regan oozes sarcasm, while Maguire imbues Goneril with an aloof quality that makes her seem impervious to attack. Jessica Laney's Cordelia, disowned by her father after her refusal to take part in a contest for his affections, is deliberately restrained, but equally effective.

Rusty Gunther is perfectly despicable as Edmund. Like Iago or Richard III, Edmund is one of Shakespeare's power hungry villains, bent on ascension at any costs. Justin Ivan Brown gives Edgar a forthright demeanor that fits the legitimate heir to the throne. In disguise as "Poor Tom", he plays with insanity as a guise in order to get closer to the truth. Bobby Miller is outstandingly creepy as the prophetic Fool, and Eric Dean White impresses as the Earl of Kent, who's banished when he defends Cordelia, only to return in disguise to aid his fallen monarch.

Milton Zoth's direction draws fine performances from a terrific cast, and he keeps the action moving as much as he can within the limited confines. Cameron Ulrich's fight choreography works well, with Edmund's comeuppance at his brother Edgar's hands sharply executed. Patrick Huber's faux marble collection of staircases and exits lends itself nicely to this tight presentation. Huber's lighting scheme makes good use of a circular design that sits atop the set, projecting a variety of images upon it to set the scene. Teresa Doggett's costumes are exceptional, as always.

The St. Louis Actors' Studio's smart production of King Lear continues through June 23, 2013 at the Gaslight Theatre. This play is one of Shakespeare's finest, and this is a powerful and haunting presentation that should not be missed!

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