Savvy production of Shakespeare's 'Winter's Tale' is a hot ticket
MICHAEL SMITH World Entertainment Writer, 02/15/2003
Larry Latham is Leontes, the king of Sicilia, and Sara Cruncleton is his queen, Hermione, the Midwestern Theater Troupe's production of "The Winter's Tale" at Nightingale Theater. JOHN CLANTON/ Tulsa World
Leontes, the king of Sicilia and the protagonist of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy "The Winter's Tale," has everything a ruler could ask for.
His wife Hermione, the queen, is beautiful, noble and pregnant. His young son, Mamillius, is a promising prince. His royal court is a loyal group. His closest childhood friend, Polixenes, has been visiting for some time, and now he is preparing to return to his own kingdom, in Bohemia.
Sure, parting is such sweet sorrow, but overall, life is good.
But wait. Polixenes has decided to stay on a while longer after Hermione convinces him, reminiscing with him about all those boyhood exploits with her husband.
This should come as good news, but why would Polixenes change his mind for the queen, Leontes wonders. Why wouldn't Polixenes accept his offer? What did Herminone say to him? Was she a bit too flirty with him? Is the queen having an affair with Polixenes?
The three-hour ride that is "The Winter's Tale" sets up just that fast, in only a matter of moments, with one man's jealousy changing the world in this solid Midwestern Theater Troupe production that opened Thursday night.
Irrational and unreasonable, a raging Leontes (Larry Latham) decides quickly -- and his mind won't be changed, despite a myriad of those trying to sway him otherwise -- that Polixenes (played by Dale Sams) is to be poisoned, Hermione (a solid Sara Cruncleton) is to be imprisoned and the infant she bears (surely the child of Polixenes and not his own, the king reasons) is to be abandoned.
It's a rip-roaring start to this tale of tyranny, romance, comedy, separation and reconciliation in one of the Bard's most mature plays, written at the height of his powers.
As witnessed in a preview performance earlier this week, John Cruncleton's direction also continues to mature, as his Midwestern Theater Troupe plays to the work's tragic intensity, comic grace and the richness and complexity of its poetry. It's a tapestry of styles that Cruncleton weaves into a powerful commentary on the violence implicit in family relationships as well as longtime friendships.
This production also benefits from a strong ensemble cast, including the always wonderful Randy Whalen as Camillo, Leontes' servant who attempts to reason with him, and Heather Sams in the key role of Paulina, the passionate, eloquent servant who's not only a voice of reason but also a harbinger of hope later in the play.
The director also excels on stage in the role of the comic con man, Autolycus, a thief merrily making his way through the pants-pockets of the citizens of Bohemia, where the action changes pace in Act III and introduces a merrily comic element leading up to a surprising conclusion.
The draped-sheet set design is simple but effective, accented by the lighting work that often put performers in severe shadows throughout the play, highlighting those cases in which the characters are speaking out of confusion.
The Nightingale Theater's 50-seat black box was chilly as always in winter, so dress warmly and enjoy a work that offers a little bit of everything, much of it pleasing.
Midwestern Theater Troupe's production of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" continues with 8 p.m. performances Saturday, Thursday-Friday and Feb. 22 at the Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth St. General admission $5 tickets may be reserved by calling 583-8487 [As of February 2007, 633-8666] or purchased at the door.
Michael Smith, World entertainment writer, can be reached at 581-8334 or via e-mail at michael.smith@tulsaworld.com
What: "The Winter's Tale," Shakespearean tragedy presented by Midwestern Theater Troupe
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, also 8 p.m. Feb. 20-22
Where: Nightingale Theater, 1416 E. Fourth St.
Tickets: $5, may be purchased by calling 583-8487 [As of February 2007, 633-8666]