BWW Reviews: Seattle Shakes' OTHELLO Thrives on Multiple Levels

When going to see a show you hope for at least one aspect of the show be something good that you can hold onto. The acting, directing, sets, lights, something to make the night worthwhile. Lucky for all of us the current production of Shakespeare's tragic tale of betrayal and lies "Othello", currently playing from Seattle Shakespeare Company, is firing on so many levels that you're just not sure where to focus your attentions. But then, this should be no big surprise as it's from director John Langs whose name attached to a piece is usually the harbinger of "this one's gonna be good!"

We center on the valiant Moor Othello (Sean Phillips), a commanding General who has made a name for himself in the wars. He has fallen for the lovely Desdemona (Hillary Clemens) and the two have secretly married against her father's wishes. Othello has also named as his Lieutenant the young Cassio (Quinn Franzen) much to the chagrin of the ambitious Iago (Darragh Kennan) who feels slighted by not getting the appointment. And so Iago sets off on a campaign to destroy the couple as well as Cassio by convincing Othello that his new bride is being unfaithful to him with Cassio. In this effort Iago enlists the aid of Roderigo (Trick Danneker), a young man who is also infatuated with Desdemona, and Iago's wife Emilia (Alexandra Tavares) both of whom may have their hand in the scheme but are both also just pawns of the malevolent Iago.

Langs has not only compiled a top notch cast (we'll get to them in a minute) but also a crew that has created a simple yet stunning world that beautifully amps up the tension and creates a glorious build and crescendo of tragedy. Jennifer Zeyl's deceptively simple monochromatic set feeds in beautifully to the stunning lighting from Geoff Korf and haunting projections from Tristan Roberson both of which add just a little more insight into the onslaught of madness and rage in Othello's mind. And then we add in the gorgeous sound design from Robertson Witmer and we have quite the sublime piece (even without the actors).

But then the actors come in and knock it out of the park. Iago is kind of the driving force of the piece and Kennan certainly drives the scheme without ever becoming a caricature of a villain. He never goes to evil, just stays in the realm of sociopath. Phillips and Clemens make for a lovely couple and completely sell the newlywed vibe making their outcome all the more painful. And painful it is as the final moments between them are both difficult to watch and riveting. Franzen and Danneker make for wonderful unwitting dupes in the whole mess. And I must give special kudos to Tavares. In past productions I've seen Emilia become kind of a throw away part as the doting wife and ends up as little more than a tool for Iago. But Tavares takes her and infuses her with such strength and complexity that I almost wanted an entire play of Emilia. And that richness of her character makes her final moments just as riveting and tragic as the lovers.

Langs has once again taken a classic Shakespearean piece and not only made it accessible but a stirring thrill ride. And so with my three letter rating system, I give "Othello" a multi-layered YAY. Truly a superb production of an already enthralling work.

"Othello" from Seattle Shakespeare Company performs at the Cornish Playhouse through May 17th. For tickets or information contact the Seattle Shakespeare Company box office at 206-733-8222 or visit them online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

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