Measure For Measure

MEASURE FOR MEASURE is the most successful production of the summer Shakespeare at the Old Globe. It was very clear from this production that all the characters find themselves cast in unknown roles that they must somehow learn to discard, accommodate, or embrace. The novice Isabella,  so winningly played by Stephanie Fiegar , goes through the most changes from novice, to put upon sister, to victim, to prospective bride. Her role is by any stretch of the imagination extremely difficult and Ms Fiegar navigates all the changes beautifully.  The upright, uptight Angelo, here played by James Knight, goes from an underling to become the most powerful man in the country charged with cleaning the wayward citizens. He is tested and must learn that power isn’t always to be applied to the letter because the person administering the orders can be trapped in his own moral rigidity. The loyal and compassionate Escalus,,played with great heart by Charles Janasz, must learn that life and people may be more complicated than his own virtue would tell him. Tom Hammond as the youthful and unsure Duke Vincentio facilitates all this. The choice to make him younger and less sure really helps the comedy and keeps the character from becoming rather unpleasant in his manipulations.  I also enjoyed the work of Eric Hoffman as Pompey, Celeste Ciulla as Mistress overdone and especially Lucas Hall for another exciting characterization. Mr Hall is funny and enchanting and shows tremendous range having thrilled as Hamlet the night before. Jonathan McMurty does a very amusing turn as Barnardine. Congratulations to director Paul Mullens for pulling off a very difficult yet rewarding play.

LOWEL DAVIES FESTIVAL THEATRE Balboa Park San Diego 619-238-0043 until Sept 30