Corleone: The Shakespearean Godfather

When you think of it, the only thing that seems strange is that no one thought of it before. After all, The Godfather has been described as Shakespearean in its scope since Mario Puzo first published it in 1969. The saga of hubris, ambition, murder, power and love echoes the classic tragedies of Macbeth, Hamlet and Richard III—so why did it take almost forty years for someone to finally adapt the story into a Shakespearean-style drama?

It's not so much a matter of "Why?" as "Why not?" David Mann has stepped up to the challenge and turned Puzo's immortal story into a Shakespearean epic, complete with iambic pentameter and rhymes. Corleone, now playing as part of the Fringe Festival, is no mere send-up of the classic book or film, although there are plenty of laughs to be had in hearing the famous lines spoken in rhythm. ("My father, who will not insult excuse,/ Did make an offer he could not refuse" and "The dagger stayed; they took the sweet cannoli" are just two examples).  Performed by nine classically trained actors who know their way around verse, the play is a surprisingly effective reimagining of a modern-day classic with timeless themes.

Indeed, one does not even need to be familiar with the original novel or the Academy Award-winning movies in order to appreciate this production (and I speak from first-hand experience, here). Mann's adaptation is strong enough to stand on its own, although I imagine some of the in-jokes meant more to fans of the film and book than to those of us outside the fold. This production, therefore, is not only a testament to Mann's wit and creativity, but to the classic nature of Puzo's characters, and to the strength of both writers.

The nine versatile actors function beautifully together, as any Shakespearean ensemble must.  Aided by Mann's smooth direction, they flow effortlessly between representing a traditional chorus and the numerous roles in the story, keeping the action constant and consistent. Drew Cortese and Jenny Merecin are particularly memorable as Michael and Kay.

As a fascinating new way to look at a classic, Corleone is a witty, inventive, intelligent and fun evening that can appeal to fans of classic theatre and mafia stories alike.