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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (June 7, 2007)
BY WADE CHRIST NSEN Can the Bard Take a Joke? Fortinbras thoughtfully sticks it to Shakespeare Horatio (Ben Newman) and Fortinbras f you have ever thought, (Michael Walker) in Fortinbras “You know, Hamlet is a silly story,” or screamed inside your head, “Kill Claudius already; you’re complex; we get it; get on with it,” you should love playwright Lee Blessing’s comedy Fortinbras, now playing at the Very Little Theatre. In Fortinbras, Blessing attempts to sneak a discus- sion about the complexities of truth, power and death into his hilarious script. The VLT’s production grabs the text and expands the comedy to its full force. Director Michael P. Watkins delivers a show that keeps the audience laughing and thinking the whole time. In an attempt to communicate Blessing’s play, the cast delivers a rich show and strong performances on a simple yet effective set. more topsy-turvy decisions, to the outrage of The curtains pull back to reveal Horatio. Fortinbras’ opening scene, which happens to Walker’s portrayal of Fortinbras is charis- pick up where Hamlet ends. Immediately, we matic, and we see him develop the character are aware that the show will be a laugh fest — through his relationships to others. Walker even if it comes at Shakespeare’s expense. tracks a character arc from arrogant and hap- The ridiculousness of the scene is magnified hazard to a reflective person attempting to fix by being performed in slow-motion. Hamlet the situation he created. His interactions with (Vince Camillo) and Laertes (Jesse D. Lally) Ophelia also allow Wolfenbarger to develop fight while being cheered on by the rest of the Ophelia as the show continues. Though she royal family and friends. The decelerated act- begins her performance with a crisp enuncia- ing in the scene is convincing, best seen in the tion that seems uncharacteristic of the piece, reactions of Horatio (Benjamin Newman). Wolfenbarger warms into the role nicely and His fluid movement and oversized facial ex- fills the character’s place in the show with pressions help underline the slow-motion great energy. At first, the up-front manner scene. Wolfenbarger gives Ophelia seems to be too With the majority of Hamlet’s characters much, but it later fills a vital place in story dead, Fortinbras, Prince of Norway (Michael and her character development. Walker), enters dressed in a maroon-purple Much of the show’s comedic force comes suit, accessorized by his gleaming medallion. from Newman’s Horatio and Tom Wilson’s The scene proceeds with the Captain (Scott Osric. The two characters share a physical Shirk) removing the royal bodies in a comic comedy relationship akin to the Three manner — let’s just say Hamlet isn’t carried Stooges but also work well as independent away in high fashion. The show makes excel- characters. Newman’s robotic spasms at the lent use of blocking to piggyback on an al- sound of Fortinbras’ lies are quite funny, as is ready hilarious script. the effeminate and people-pleasing aspect Upon learning that he has become king of Wilson gives Osric. Denmark, Fortinbras decides that the true The acting shines in front of the simple, story of Hamlet is far too unbelievable and clever set. The castle consists of a wall made that a new story must be created. Crafting a of metal siding that folds open to create new tale about a Polish spy, Fortinbras creates a sets in front of the plain, white lights. This tangle of lies and military action that he can’t simplicity fits well with the rest of the pro- control. Here we see the show begin to make duction. The sound design, on the other hand, commentary outside of its comedic frame adds more uproar as set changes are per- with lines like, “We need someone we can formed to songs like The Buggles’ “Video hate, right here, right now,” and “Kings don’t Killed the Radio Star” and Steppenwolf’s make mistakes anyway; they reassess poli- “Magic Carpet Ride.” cies.” Whether you’re looking for inquisitive As the lies spiral out of control, Fortinbras social commentary, all out laughs or encounters the ghosts of Polonius (Don Shakespeare lampooned, you’ll be getting Kelley), Ophelia (Cate Wolfenbarger), your money’s worth at Fortinbras. Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius (Don Aday) and ew Gertrude (Sharon Wetterling). Seduced by Fortinbras runs through June 23. Tix are available at 344-7751. Ophelia, Fortinbras begins to make even SALSA DANCE! With DJ Mario Mora Plus Special Guest Rumbanana Dance Company from Corvallis Free lessons: 8pm-9pm Dancing: 9pm-1:30am All ages welcome • Cover $5 FRIDAY, JUNE 8 Vet’s Club Ballroom 1626 Willamette St. info:517-5238 or mario@salsamora.com 23(1,1*-81( %8<7,&.(76($5/< 1RUWKZHVW3UHPLHUH3URGXFWLRQ ,QVSLUHGE\WKHPXVLFRI (OYLV3UHVOH\ %RRNE\-RH'L3LHWUR 'LUHFWHGE\-RH=LQJR - -XQH-XO\ - \ DW$FWRUV&DEDUHW 'LQQHU'HVVHUW %HYHUDJHV$YDLODEOH - -XO\ \ DW7KH+XOW&HQWHU·V6RUHQJ7KHDWHU 7KLV3URGXFWLRQ6SRQVRUHGE\ 6KDZ6QRZ Z $VVRFLDWHV 23(1,1*-81( $&(<RXWK$FDGHP\SUHVHQWV 6KDNHVSHDUH·V 'LUHFWHGE\ *D\ORUG:DONHU - -XQH DW$&(<RXWK$FDGHP\6WDJH:WK$YH &DOO ZZZ$FWRUV&DEDUHWRUJ 36 JUNE 7, 2007 JOHN BAUGUESS I
