Review: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE at the Kennedy Center

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre doesn't have to be good, you know? Tourists and theater-goers would probably go to London and see a play anyway because it is Shakespeare's Globe Company. Thankfully, though on the occasions where I have had the opportunity to see a Shakespeare Globe performance, this was not the case. In fact, their touring production of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, currently at the Kennedy Center through July 30, was one of the best portrayals of the Bard I have seen.
MERCHANT directed by Jonathan Munby, tells the story of Bassanio (Dan Fredenburgh) who wants to win the heart of Portia (Rachel Pickup). In order to do so, however he must borrow funds from his friend Antonio (BrIan Martin), who in turn must take out a loan from the moneylender, Shylock (Jonathan Pryce). The price however becomes far bigger when Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh for lack of payment.
Munby created a piece of interaction, he involved the audience from the moment the actors walked on stage. For example, the first five minutes was an intense and memorable musical performance, Audience members were called out often and the actors entered the stage from the house.
Moreover, it was a play with so much energy. Even at times where the play itself could have easily dragged, the actors did not. They used their voice and bodies to portray their complex stories and sometimes complex language. Fredenburgh, Martin and Pryce played such a terrible, but intriguing trio. There was such an interesting combination of admiration and disgust amongst them. For me it was Pickup however who often stole the show. Her presence was commanding just as her character.
The set, lighting, props, costumes were also so beautiful. Although kept to a traditional form, it made the show and the audience feel so much more present.
If you have the opportunity to see the show before it moves on, it is definitely worth it. Even with a long runtime, as an audience member I was so engaged it really felt like no time at all.
Runtime is about 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
For tickets call (202) 467-4600 or visit, http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/TQTSI#tickets