Kandis Chappell was a chilly Lady Capulet, who just didn’t know how to handle her daughter and seemed actually frightened of Lord Capulet. Her scene over Tybol'ts body was very effective. Jonathan McMurtry was a triple threat as cousin Capulet, the Apothecary, and Prince Escalus. His last speech was delivered simply and was the best I have ever seen.
The biggest surprise and treat was the performance by an understudy of the Nurse. Deborah Taylor, a superb actress, was out with bronchitis, but Barbara Wengard was terrific and most impressive in the role.
Richard Seer was the director. The beautiful lighting was by York Kennedy.
The best of the lot was the elegant and crystal-clear production of All’s Well That Ends Well as directed by newly appointed Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak. Darko showed his mastery of the space in his blocking, and his skill as a director in making a so-called “problem play” totally comprehensible. Often the two leading characters, Bertram (Graham Hamilton) and Helena (Kimberly Parker Green), can come off as whiny, irritating, spoiled brats. Not so here. Their motives and sincerity were evident and finely detailed.
James R. Winker was most effective as the sickly king. His illness made him irascible, but he was strong and fair in his dealings. Kandis Chappell was radiant as the Countess Rossillion - I always enjoy this consummate artist’s work. Eric Hoffman was an amusing Lavatch, a nearly incomprehensible clown. Bruce Turk played the arrogant, cowardly, braggart soldier Parolles.
If you like your Shakespeare performed well and in the open air, and don’t mind the occasional airplane, put the Summer Shakespeare Festival on your list of “must sees” this summer. Through September 28th at the Old Globe Theatre in lovely Balboa Park.
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