The title gives it all away.
Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” may convince us, at first glance, that we are witnessing an extraordinary case of selective amnesia or one hysterical bout of confusion, but the truth, as dictated by Shakespeare, won’t be denied: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead.
As long as you truly understand that, then you can sit back and delight in Stoppard’s existentialist ruminations on death and the absence of an afterlife.
» The Highlights
The brilliant stroke of Stoppard’s farce is that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern take center stage in an eerie sort of purgatory, awaiting news — any sort of news — of their fate. The Studio Theatre’s latest revival, helmed by Kirk Jackson, crosses the sober sentiments of Shakespeare with what feels like a sketch from MAD Magazine brought to the stage.
» The Lowlights
If you hate “Hamlet,” don’t bother with Stoppard’s story. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern” relies heavily upon the audience’s recognition of the wink-wink, nudge-nudge irony embedded by its savvy author.
» The Cast
Jackson’s cast navigates through Stoppard’s pregnant language as though it were a contemporary vernacular. Raymond Bokhour and Liam Craig are the interchangeable heart and soul of Hamlet’s buds, and they serve up a metered blend of off-kilter charm. Bokhour’s Rosencrantz (or is it Guildenstern?) is the warm, loveable goofball and perfect foil for Craig’s nail-biting, John Cusack-esque Guildenstern (or is it Rosencrantz?).
» Munch on This
In a production that is at all turns clever and full of sprightly inquisition, we might get the feeling that perhaps Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will be OK. And with such fresh, crisp acting, Jackson’s revival is a breezy cerebral affair. But no matter how many times the coins keep turning up “heads” and we still expect the odds to turn in our favor, the title gives it away, sealing their fate — and ours — from the beginning.
‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead’
Through July 8
» Venue: The Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
» Tickets: $39 to $55
» Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
» Info: 202-332-3300, www.studiotheatre.org
