Theater Review: King Lear at TheatreWorks New Milford

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

TheatreWorks New Milford is performing a version of Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear” that is both directed and adapted by the venerable Jane Farnol. The director has acknowledged the play’s dark tone in her adaptation, as well as the brief comedy, and much of Shakespeare’s poetry is retained.

In her program message, TheatreWorks President Gale Alexander thanked Farnol for her brilliant work as both adaptor and director. The president notes that Farnol is a recognized Shakespearean scholar who has a long history at TheatreWorks. She was born in England and has directed over 20 plays.

We are fortunate to experience the performance of Mark Feltch in the title role of the King of Britain. The actor effectively brings to life the descent into madness of the monarch. The memorable actor appeared as Joe Keller in “All My Sons” on this stage, as well as Big Jule in “Guys and Dolls” and Judge Turpin in “Sweeney Todd at Downtown Cabaret

Vicki. Sosbe returns to this stage to play Goneril, one of the daughters of Lear. Sosbe last appeared as Amanda in “Private Lives,” directed by Farnol. Colin McLoone makes his TheatreWorks debut in the role of the Duke of Albany, the husband of Goneril.

Erin Shaughnessy stands strong in the role of Lear’s daughter Regan. Shaughnessy has been performing on this stage since childhood, an alum of the TW Kids program, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance. The young actress has appeared in more than fifty theatrical productions in CT and New York, including “The Lion in Winter” in Brookfield under the direction of Farnol. In her program bio, Shaughnessy writes that she is eager to explore the character’s place within Lear’s brutal unraveling.

“How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” (Act 1, Scene 4)

Jim Hipp returns to this stage to take on the role of the Duke of Cornwall, the husband of Regan. The role marks Hipp’s first main stage attempt at Shakespeare.

Abi Heydenburg, another alum of the TW Kid’s program, takes on the role of Lear’s youngest daughter, the quietly devoted Cordelia. She writes, “Now more than ever it is vital that we speak truth to power and always lead with kindness and compassion.”

Sam Everett plays Oswald, a steward to Goneril. Everett is a WCSU graduate who has appeared as “Seussical” and “Mary Poppins” at the Warner. Vincent Chistoni, a college student and videographer who appeared in Brookfield’s “Camelot,” plays the King of France in his TW debut.

The show’s producer, Tom Heydenburg, appears as the Duke of Burgundy and Sean Gorman of Bethel is the Earl of Kent, one of Lear’s noblemen who is banished at the same time as Cordelia.

Todd Santa Maria returns to this stage to play The Fool that dotes on Lear. The talented actor/dancer who has a long list of credits in many area theaters gets to show off his flexibility in the role of the wise Fool.

Michael Briney has the right look for playing the Earl of Gloucester and effectively navigates Gloucester’s physical challenges. Thomas Ovitt, another WCSU grad, returns to the stage where he did his first play 20 years ago to play Edgar, the legitimate heir of Gloucester, who flees and disguises himself as a beggar. David Regelmann is the scheming illegitimate son of Gloucester, the character that aids the cruelty of Lear’s elder daughters to further his schemes.

The synopsis by Isabelle Bergman reminds us that Kent and Edgar maintain their allegiances to both Lear and Gloucester despite being banned and help the two along their paths.

“This tale follows each character through betrayal, insanity, and the fates struggle of familial power. Pride and Fortune alike rip at the seams of relations and the structure of Lear’s kingdom and fatal mistakes are realized too late. This tragedy pushes the boundaries of passion and suffering, and will prove the importance of true respect for life and loyalty.”

Understudy Isabelle Bergman makes her TW debut as a Lady in Waiting and Ron Malyszka, the stage manager of the production, briefly appears as The Doctor. Billy Anderson, who has worked with Hudson Shakespeare Company in Stratford, doubles as a Gentleman and a Herald. Fred Thaler appears as a guard and a captain in his first TW appearance. Tim Heydenburg is also a guard in his first time on stage.

Leif Smith is the set and lighting designer. There are some flashing lights used in the storm scene (“Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks”) and the overall lighting is well-done.The setting in Ancient Britain is suggested by the layered and relatively stark scenic design,and regally by the Elizabethan costumes designed by Becca Lynn. Keith Henderson is in charge of sound design and Adam Battlestein provided the excellent sword fight choreography.

The adaptation is presented in one act. Although the run time was advertised as 90 minutes, it was actually closer to two hours. Performances continue through May 23 on the TWNM stage. There is reserved seating, with a Pick Your Price performance on May 7. Reservations for good seats Theatreworks.us