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All ends well for 'problem play'
(by Herb Hammer - September 16, 2009)
THEATER, BY HERB HAMMER
All ends well for 'problem play'
If "All's Well That Ends Well" is "a problem play," as the Case Western Reserve MFA Acting Program proclaims, then why are they performing this 1623 seldom-seen Shakespearian relic?
The answer must lie in the "problem play" curse following the play around all these centuries. Outside of an overabundance of characters and too many subplots, the play, considered a comedy, is tantalizing good fun.
Performing at the Cleveland Play House Brooks Theatre, the Case troupe, with only a slight hitch here and there, does excellent work. Despite its 2 hours and 45 minutes, the conclusion is worth the wait.
The plot, though satisfying, can be puzzling. Hellen, the daughter of a once well-known doctor, has fallen madly in love with Bertrum, a French nobleman. Bertrum, it seems, wants nothing to do with her. Why Hellen is so crazy for Bertrum is the puzzling part.
When Hellen, using her father's medicine, brings the dying king back to health, he gives her the choice of any single man in his kingdom to marry. Hellen chooses Bertrum, of course.
Bertrum does marry her but hits the road before the marriage is consummated. He wants nothing to do with Hellen but does offer her this: As he runs off to war, he promises to love Hellen forever if she can take his family ring from his finger and become pregnant with his child. Bertrum, it would appear, is safe.
In the Case production, Bertrum goes to war with guns blazing and with huge explosions around all. Director Geoff Bullen has set his play in the mid-19th century to accomplish this.
The main plot moves forward as Hellen conspires with young Diana to woo Bertrum, get his ring and jump into the sack with him. The room must have been awfully dark for Hellen and Diana to switch places before Bertrum enters.
There is some confusion at the conclusion, when it's reported that Hellen is dead, and then there's this business about the ring. But Hellen is alive and pregnant. Though Bertrum knows he's been tricked, and with the king looking on, he swears his love for Hellen forever.
The reason it takes so long to tell this silly story are the subplots that give each of the 15 cast members something to do.
Leigh Williams is superb as Hellen, suffering Bertrum's rejection, then working on her little plot and then finally rejoicing her conquest. Miss Williams has all the tools to make the character fascinating.
The dashing Tom Piccaso is physically perfect as Bertrum, tall and handsome. No wonder Hellen fell for him. But Mr. Piccaso is cursed with a squeaky little voice that isn't meant to be funny.
The rest are obviously well trained. They know very well how to perform Shakespeare, especially this humorous little comedy.
Costumer Jeffrey van Curtis has costumed his cast in splendid 19th-century garb, while Jill Davis' set brings the play together.
Mr. Bullen directs with great skill, though he could have moved the action at a quicker pace.
"All's Well that Ends Well" is an excellent choice for Shakespearian followers who may never get another chance to see this rarely performed work. The play closes Sept. 19.
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