Theater Review: Shakespeare in Hollywood

by Jenni Stewart

Shakespeare in Hollywood

Fri
Sep
26^th
8^PM

Cox Building Playhouse
1517 Avenue H, Plano
$15 - $18
Age limit: N/A

Shakespeare in Hollywood, now playing at Rover Dramawerks, is a fast-paced, comedy-filled flashback to the golden age of Hollywood, with a twist. Set in the 1930s, two of perhaps Shakespeare’s most mischievous characters, Oberon and Puck wreak havoc on the Hollywood set of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by the great Max Reinhardt. The play cleverly mixes fiction with fact using characterizations of the real 1930s film actors who starred in Max Reinhardt’s Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream such as James Cagney, Mickey Rooney, Joe E. Brown, and Olivia de Havilland and fictional characters who flush out the drama.

So how did the actors do with such a crazy concept -- portraying real stars that are still household faces as well as broad farcical characters? Surprisingly well! Standout performances were given by Mikey Abrams, playing Daryl, the oh-so-awkward assistant to the Executive Producer and Julie Osborne, portraying Olivia bringing the play a well-needed sense of period and elegance. A round of applause must also be given to Mark-Brian Sonna for his portrayal of “The Great Max Reinhardt.” And is he great. Hilarious from start to finish, hitting just enough details to bring reality to his Max Reinhardt but also exaggerated enough to keep wild comic spirit of the show intact.

Carol M. Rice (Director) staged the play in-the-round. A technique that succeeded in making the audience feel a part of the action but also at times produced seemingly unguided, forced movement from the actors. The costumes (Alejandro de la Costa) more than anything landed the production firmly in the 1930s and help transform the actors more fully into their 1930 star personas. Excepting the choice of wigs, which should be kindly laid to rest. Sound (Matthew J. Edwards) and Lights (Patrick S. O’Neal) were effective and subtle creating variations in a space otherwise undefined.

All and all, Rover Dramawerks' Shakespeare in Hollywood is sure to be an evening well spent. Performances continue through October 4, 2008 and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 972-849-0358.