WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN: Fidelity is More Than Mere Display

Red Bull Theater recently received the support of The Tony Randall Theatrical Fund's $100,000 award, which is awarded annually to a Tri-State area non-profit Equity theatre company for the production of a classic play, an adaptation of a classic play or a work inspired by the classics. The grant must be used within 24 months upon receipt. This grant led to Red Bull's production of Thomas Middleton's Women Beware Women, and can most certainly be called money well-spent.

Middleton, a contemporary (and sometime collaborator) of Shakespeare's, is often overlooked in the pantheon of great writers, but his difficult and fascinating plays have developed a bit of a cult following for the radiantly haphazard way they mix comedy and drama, with ironic twists and turns.

Women Beware Women has a rather complicated plot- Leantio, a clerk (Jacob Fishel) brings home his new wife Bianca (Jennifer Ikeda), who he seduced away from her rich family- he hides her with his mother (Roberta Maxwell), but she is seen from an upper window during a parade by the Duke (Geraint Wyn Davies), who falls madly for her. Meanwhile, next door, Fabritio (Everett Quinton) is marrying off his lovely daughter Isabella (Liv Rooth), to the rich-but-stupid Ward (Alex Morf) of Guardiano (John Douglas Thompson), despite the warnings of Fabritio's sister Livia (Kathryn Meisle). Hippolito (Al Espinosa) is in love with Isabella, but unfortunately he's Livia's brother, and therefore Isabella's uncle. He fights against his unnatural attraction, but eventually gives in and tells her, which appalls her, till Livia, to make her brother happy, tells Isabella that she's not actually her father's daughter and that many women are married to foolish husbands and keep their real lovers on the side. Livia also arranges for the Duke to seduce Bianca, who after a page of hesitation embraces her newfound wealth and becomes the Duke's mistress despite the disapproval of the Duke's brother the Cardinal (Jonathan Fried), while the spurned Leantio becomes the gigolo of Livia... And that's only act I.

It's all terribly wicked and wildly entertaining.

The adaptation and direction by Jesse Berger is clear and navigates the shifting turns of mood expertly, with one of the funniest orgies of death I've ever seen.
The cast is thoroughly sublime, each magnificent in their way, but especially the radiant Kathryn Meisle, who, as the scheming Livia, holds the audience in the palm of her hand throughout.
The set design by David Barber is beautiful and multi-leveled, with balconies, a stage, trap doors, and extra surprises tucked away here and there.
A mix of recorded and live music (violins played onstage by Anthony Bagnetto, Lisa Helmi Johanson, and Alexander Sovronsky) composed by Scott Killian is very effective in setting mood.
The opulent costumes by Clint Ramos are fantastic- period shapes with more modern patterned fabrics.
Go see it- who knows when you'll get the chance to see such a well-performed, designed and altogether beautiful production of this play again.

Women Beware Women
By Thomas Middleton
Produced by Red Bull Theater

Theater at St. Clement's
423 West 46th St.

Limited Engagement December 9th to January 5th Extended through January 18th
Performances will be Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, Sundays at 3pm & 7pm (schedule varies - visit redbulltheater.com for complete calendar).

Tickets may be purchased online at www.redbulltheater.com or by phone at 212/352-3101. Tickets are $50 Regular / $65 Premium Seating / $30 Age 30 & under (w/ID) / $25 Industry (w/ID) / $20 Student (w/ID)

 

Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

1. Roberta Maxwell and Jennifer Ikeda
2. Jacob Fishel and Kathryn Meisle

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