Review - Timon of Athens: I Just Want Someone to Love Me... For My Money!

It isn't just Curtis Moore's action-accenting electric guitar licks that give Richard Thomas a rock star presence in director Barry Edelstein's swift and rowdy production of Timon of Athens, a stinging morality tale attributed as a collaboration of sorts between William Shakespeare and the younger scribe, Thomas Middleton. Though scholars will call the piece incomplete and problematic, the star gives a charismatic performance that glides through the rough patches.

In the title role, Thomas is all gleeful and sparkly-eyed wonder as the wealthy lord who spends his money too generously and not all that wisely. At a lavish banquet he holds for his dubious friends, Timon accepts flattering tokens from a parasitic pair of artists looking for patronage (Greg McFadden and Orville Mendoza giving fine comical turns), offers to pay a man's way out of debtors' prison and, when a loyal servant (Cary Donaldson) falls in love with the daughter of a rich man (Tom Bloom) who will not stand for a modestly-incomed son-in-law, matches the girl's dowry on his behalf.

But when Timon's lifestyle leaves him penniless with no one willing to return his generosity, Thomas plays his ranging monologue with a fury that is both frightening and sexy, misanthropic madness encompassing him as he skips town to live as a caved recluse. Paul Huntley's shaggy wig and costume designer Katherine Roth's oversized, billowing coat give the transformed Timon a Christ-like appearance after suffering multiple betrayals.

Standouts in the strong ensemble include Max Casella, playing the cynical philosopher Apemantus with a snarky arrogance and Mark Nelson as Timon's loyal steward who tries to warn him of his fate.

This is the first production presented by The Public Theater's Public LAB Shakespeare, offering low-budget productions at an inexpensive price. (all seats are $15) While Neil Patel's set isn't elaborate, it's a smart and stylish rendering of Timon's banquet hall that cleverly changes into a sandy dwelling on the outskirts of town.

Timon of Athens may not be a great play, but, especially at this price, Thomas, Edelstein & Co. provide a terrific night out.

Photos by Joan Marcus: Top: The Company; Bottom: Richard Thomas.

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