Richard III

The wonderful news for theater lovers is the chance now to enjoy Shakespeare's plays as he wrote them. London's Shakespeare's Globe company at the Belasco Theater is drawing audiences to a traditional Twelfth Night (or, old-style, “Twelfe Night”) in repertory with Richard III(Richard King the Third). The cast is all-male as it was in the 1600's when female roles were played by men in white makeup and wigs. Chandeliers provide a candle-lit set, the music is Elizabethan, performed from a balcony above the stage and Jenny Tiramani's silks and velvet costumes are precisely constructed. Take the opportunity to come early enough to watch the cast onstage dressing and setting up.

Most important, newcomers to the Bard as well as Shakespeare aficionados cannot help but be impressed by the performances of the splendid cast led by Mark Rylance (Jerusalem). He is aided by a cast that shines no less brightly.

In the title role in Richard III, Rylance nails the malevolence of the evil humpback who giggles with nasty glee at his heinous acts. While his supporting cast again is stellar, it is kudos to Rylance, ebullient in his darkly off-beat take on this villainous traitor. Occasionally, he mugs at the audience, making sure they appreciate his repugnant actions and his shameless quest for political power. Chilling as this characterization is, you have to admire Rylance's vitality as the unattractive Machiavellian royal limps across the stage, never lagging in devilish energy.

Samuel Barnett plays Queen Elizabeth and Liam Brennan is Clarence. Also to be mentioned is Joseph Tibbs' portrayal as Lady Anne and Angus Wright, who plays the Duke of Buckingham.

The set as well as the costumes are by Tiramani, with a simple stage for both productions, featuring a paneled oak backdrop and long table. Claire van Kampen supervised the music, Steven Hoggett designed movements like Olivia and Maria's stately glides across the stage. Sian Williams choreographed a lively jig in the curtain calls for both shows.

Shakespeare has taken different directions this year. Brooklyn's St. Ann's Warehouse recently ended its run of an all-female production of Julius Caesar. Alan Cumming's Macbeth has left his own bizarre world and Orlando Bloom will no longer ride his motorcycle in Verona (Romeo and Juliet). For the real thing, however, go to Twelfth Night and Richard III. Shakespeare on Broadway at the Belasco Theater; this is an event. Catch both productions of if you can, but at least one is a must for every theater lover.