To return to the American Players Theatre after the pandemic hiatus is magical. All the elements that we’ve missed for the past year are waiting for audiences at the top of the hill.
Cymbeline
The theatre’s production of Cymbeline is a revelation. The all-female cast flips the tone from oppressive misogyny to tongue-in-cheek barbs and iconic strength. What originates as a story about the value of women based on their chastity and rooted in the mistrust of Imogen’s word over an almost stranger’s transforms into a story of her carving out her own life. The core of that strength always existed in Shakespeare’s words, but the show is often played with Imogen acting only as a casualty of circumstance, a path to her husband Posthumus’ fall and redemption. In director Marti Lyon’s hands and Melisa Pereyra’s barely-contained rage, Imogen has a chance to rise above the role of victim.
Cymbeline has always been a fascinating show because unlike Othello and other popular Bard plays, the characters must grapple with the consequences of their choices. It doesn’t wrap up neatly before the guilt sets in. Colleen Madden’s portrayal of Posthumus is enthralling. She switches between the roles of the earnest lover whose pride is wounded and the creep Cloten with ease. Clever costuming allows a simple flip of a cape to signal the change and Madden, along with the majority of the cast, pulls double duty as different characters. Tracy Michelle Arnold is another standout as the deceptive Iachimo and Gina Daniels juggles the treacherous Queen and exiled Belaius effortlessly. Elizabeth Ledo also shines as the loyal servant Pisanio, using her expressive face to say more than others can in a whole monologue.
Bottom Line: A must-see APT production for Shakespeare lovers and newcomers alike.
Three Romans walk into a mausoleum. It might sound like the start of a joke, but in reality, it’s the premise of Christopher Fry's hilarious A Phoenix Too Frequent. The one-act comedy introduces us to Dynamene (Phoebe González) a young grieving widow, and her long-suffering servant Doto (Tyler Meredith). They have closed themselves in with Dynamene’s deceased husband’s tomb in an effort to die of grief when a poetic Roman soldier, Christopher Sheard, bumbles upon them.
The playful twist on a Greek tragedy is a rom-com of sorts,
with Doto providing comic relief to the infatuated lovers. It both celebrates
and pokes fun at traditional love-at-first-sight romances like Romeo and
Juliet. González and Sheard have boatloads of chemistry to get the audience invested
in the duo.
Bottom Line: A delightful show, Phoenix is a fun fizzy drink
meant to be enjoyed.
The American Players Theatre is open until October 9th for its regular season. It will host additional shows in its indoor Touchstone Theatre. It's also offering online streaming options for its shows.
The theater's outdoor seats are comfortable, but definitely bring a jacket, rain parka, blanket, bug spray, or sunblock depending on the weather. The show will go on even if it's chilly or drizzling. There are easily accessible restrooms and concessions at both the Up-the-Hill Theatre and the Touchstone Theatre. There are also picnic tables for those who bring lunch or dinner before a show.
There are plenty of camping/B&B/cabin/hotel options nearby, depending on your preference. You can find additional information about where to lodge, restaurants, and other attractions on APT's website.
For more information about APT and Spring Green, WI visit its website. Spring Green, Wi is only 6.5 hours from Indianapolis and makes a perfect weekend getaway! There are attractions for the entire family in addition to the APT, including the Wisconsin Dells water parks, House on the Rock, Taliesin, and a golf resort.
Comments