By Michael Buzzelli
“This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.” – William Shakespeare
When Henry Bolingbroke (Cameron Nickel) accuses Thomas Mowbray, the Duke of Norfolk (Bobby Tramontina), of embezzling crown funds, Richard II (Maxine Coltin) banishes the two lords from England.
Then, Bolingbroke’s father, John of Gaunt (John Reilly), dies shortly after delivering the play’s most famous speech. Since Henry is banished from the kingdom, Richard II seizes his goods and property. When the word reaches Henry, he’s enraged and decides to lead an army to overthrow the king.
His men dispatch Bushy (Jess Uhler) and Green (Katie Kerr) with haste…and an anachronistic gun (there’s also a landline in late 1390s England for some reason, hundreds of years before Alexander Graham Bell invented them). The joy of theater is that the story could be told in any era, especially since it’s a story about greed.
Coltin is a terrific Richard II. They have a regal command of the stage.
Nickel is excellent as the young Henry IV, usurper to the throne, and father to the notorious Henry V. Nickel has the stage presence suited for the role. He has some great moments, particularly when he is told about Richard II’s death at the end of the play.
Reilly does get the best speech in the play, and he nails it.
It’s a great cast. There are a few standouts in the gigantic cast, particularly Adrien-Sophia Curry as the Duke of Aumerle and Ella Mizera as Henry “Hotspur” Percy.
Juliana King-Brooks creates beautiful costumes. She also pulls triple duty on the stage as Lord Berkely, the Earl of Salisbury, and a Groom.
King-Brooks’s costumes are stunning. Coltin’s Richard II has a sparkling kingly raiment, complete with crown and scepter.
Jonathan Heidenreich’s direction is bold and beautiful. He manages to get squeeze out every drop of humor in the text. This isn’t one of Shakespeare’s wittiest, but there are some chuckles along the way. Elena Falgione’s Duchess of York gets some beautiful moments playing “Boot, Boot, Who’s got the Boot?” Falgione has superb comic timing.
“The Tragedy of Richard II” is ever timely. Sadly, men scheming against one another for power and privilege may never go out of fashion.
The play is rather long, but the sharp acting will hold everyone’s attention. It’s probably not anyone’s favorite Shakespeare play. It is an excellent opportunity for completists who want to see all the Bard’s works. It’s exceptionally well done on a budget and works so well in the intimate space.
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‘Richard II” runs this weekend, from March 20-22, at the Glitterbox Theater, 210 W. Eighth Street, Homestead, PA 15120. For more information, click here.
