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| Steven Armstrong (center) and Cast photo by Laura Durant |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through March 31.
"...Irwin Appel had the idea to combine eight of William Shakespeare's history plays into two condensed parts titled The Death of Kings...Appel has further consolidated his adaptation into one 90-minute piece, The Death of Kings: Seize the Crown...The result is a fun, fast and thrilling theatrical history lesson that will entertain those who are already fans of Shakespeare and also serve as a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with his history plays....With dialogue from the plays and bits of narration to string highlights from the eight works together, we witness the exploits of Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, Henry VI, Richard III, and Henry VII, as the battle between the houses of York and Lancaster plays on while conflict, deception, and mayhem reign and well-known characters such as Joan of Arc play supporting parts in this historical adventure tale....beautifully shows the succession of the crown from one man to the next, ultimately tying together all of the kings and the characters in the plays. ...Appel's direction is spotless...aided by the impressive contributions of movement choreographer Christina McCarthy, fight director Jeffrey Mills, and composer and musician Jim Connolly. Together they create some impressive stage images. ...The fourteen actors, all seniors in the acting program at UC Santa Barbara, are all exceptional as they form a tightknit ensemble, play multiple roles, and provide narration that bridges the piece together. ...Dylan Broxson projects a firm, regal tone as Richard II in his narration that bookends the play. When he puts the crown back on his head at the end of the piece it is almost haunting in its simplicity, beauty and effectiveness, seamlessly tying together all of these men and women and showing that no matter who wears the crown, some things never change and the battle for power never truly ends." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
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