BWW Reviews: Vive La France! Kingsmen Shakespeare Company Serves Up French Joie De Vivre For MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Vive La France!

Kingsmen Shakespeare Company Serves Up French Joie De Vivre For Measure For Measure.

With the first production of their 19th Season, Kingsmen Shakespeare Company presents the dramatic-comedy Measure For Measure with a definitive French flavour.

One of the many beauties of this "Treasure of the Conejo Valley" is that the productions are always chock full of details that propel the audience members into the world or concept of each specific play.

From the first visual of the set (Designed by Erik D. Diaz) we are immediately transported into the world of artist Toulouse Lautrec, the Montmartre district of Paris in the late 1890s and all of the life and spirit that goes with it. Along this ride of the senses is the music (Composed by Christopher Hoag). An element beautifully designed to establish the environment and the feel and the emotion of the time. Thirdly on this sensorial field trip is the traditional Can-Can (Choreographed by Jeff Wallach), a burst of energy to open the show and grab the audience by their sous-vetements. Lastly on this sensorial excursion are the costumes (Created by Noelle Claire Raffy). With the colours of the dancers, to the beadwork of the aristocracy, and the tailored work in the men's suits, they are the cherry on this French visual parfait.

Measure for Measure is often called Shakespeare's "problem play". However viewing Opening Night's performance by the company, there is no problem here! Laughter, tears, and moments of "...wow..." were experienced by the audience from this ensemble company of quality, professional, and well-trained actors and apprentices/interns.

All deserve mentioning but those that stand out include Brett Elliott (Angelo), Rachel Seiferth (Isabella), Ross Hellwig (Lucio), Marc Silver (Pompey), Gillian Doyle (Mistress Overdone) and Angela Sauer (Mariana).

Elliott, Seiferth, and Sauer wear their emotions on their sleeves. Sauer's Mariana is one of strength and focus. Seiferth's Isabella is passionate and the emotion is real. Elliott's Angelo is one of true human emotions.

On the comedic side of the spectrum, watching Silver, Hellwig, and Doyle is like watching a master class in subtle comic stylings. With a twinge in their voice, a look to the audience, or a gesture of their hand, they have the audience locked in a unified laughter that does not stop.

All of this could not be possible without a maestro. A guide. A directeur. Hail to Director Michael J. Arndt for bringing this wonderful gift of a production to the public and consistently reminding us that Shakespeare is (indeed) accessible, understandable, and entertaining for all ages.

Weekend performances will begin at 8 p.m. through July 12 in scenic Kingsmen Park. The festival grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and entertainment. General admission is $20 for adults and free for those under 18. Individual tickets are available at the door only. Lawn boxes are $75 to $110. For lawn box reservations, visit kingsmenshakespeare.org or call 805-493-3014.

To post a comment, you must register and login.