Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” is often referred to as a “problem play,” meaning that it’s hard to categorize as tragedy or comedy. Shakespeare used his funny scenes as comic glue to bind together a solemn play dealing withhonesty, loyalty and hypocrisy.
The “Measure for Measure” currently playing at the Venus Theatre in Laurel, Md., neatly balances the humor and seriousness of this masterpiece, making Shakespeare’s intricate plot and subplot crystal clear. Director Deb Randall has cleverly figured out how to let some members of her all-female cast play as many as five parts, allowing nine women to play 24 roles.
“Measure for Measure” takes place in Vienna, whose Duke (the commanding Suzanne Knapik) announces that he is going away and will leave the city in the hands of a no-nonsense judge, Angelo, played here with appropriate chill by Heather Gaither-Greek. One of the appeals of the play is that the Duke has not left the city, but is ever-present, observing his subjects in the disguise of a monk.
One of Angelo’s first decrees is to penalize fornicators, among them Claudio, who has impregnated his fiancée, Juliette. When Angelo is drawn to Claudio’s virtuous sister, Isabella (Melissa St. Jhame), and promises to free her brother if she will sleep with him, Angelo becomes one of Shakespeare’s greatest hypocrites.
Performing this “Measure for Measure” is a fine ensemble, which seems to glory in Shakespeare’s crisp but complicated language. Katie Maguire is excellent as the intelligent lord Escalus as well as Claudio. Kelly Cronenberg plays Lucio with energetic flair, Momo Nakamura is delightful as Froth, Karen Landry is hilarious as Pompey the bawd. Tina Renay Fulp smoothly turns her Provost into an engaged onlooker. Understudy Erin Kennedy recently did an outstanding job as Elbow, the nitwit constable.
The visual appeal of this production comes through the costumes, an imaginative blend of tights, tunics, belts, hats and a fabulous array of boots. Yet this is Shakespeare after all, and if the language weren’t there, the look wouldn’t matter. Fortunately, the poetry is all there.
‘Measure for Meaure’
Through Sunday
» Venue: The Venus Theatre Play Shack, 21 C St., Laurel, Md.
» Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
» Tickets: $20
» More info: 866-811-4111,
www.venustheatre.org
