Get thee to a performance of ‘Richard III’
By Donald Munro
If you haven’t already read it, check out Heather Parish’s review of Chanticleer Shakespeare Co.’s inaugural production of “Richard III.” Also, read my preview interview with Jacqueline Antaramian. I saw the show on Friday night, and I think she is superb in her role.
The production offers just two more performances: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and a closing performance 2:30 p.m. Sunday, at the Warnors Theatre.
I’ll let Heather speak to the theatrical specifics of the production. As for me, I’m going to remove the critic’s hat I usually wear and put on my community-booster beanie.
Hear me out, please: If you are someone who:
• Cares about the cultural state of our city;
• Complains about the limited opportunities for quality theater in the area;
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• Wishes that professional artists, including actors, had more chances to earn a living in this area;
• Wants to see a show in a gorgeous, underused venue;
• Loves top-notch direction and innovative scenic and lighting design;
• Realizes that Shakespeare doesn’t have to be a chore;
• Just spent the day at a No Kings rally and are in the mood to ponder whether the Duke of Buckingham was reincarnated as Marco Rubio;
• Regrets spending so much of your life in front of Netflix;
• And hopes to add the Most Memorable Handkerchief Lick in Theater History to your mental catalog of weirdest theater moments;
Well, then, I’m talking especially to you.
Seriously: If you snag me at a party or reception within the next six months and bemoan the lack of cultural opportunities in Fresno, you’d better be prepared to answer if you went to “Richard III.” If you didn’t, I will say you don’t have the right to complain.
A lot of very talented people worked very hard to bring this production to the community. Please consider supporting them.
THE MUNRO REVIEW ON CMAC: ‘Richard III’
Want to hear more about “Richard III” from artistic director Blake Ellis and executive director Brandon Weis? My interview with them starts at the 2:30 mark. Also on this episode: I feature Tony Imperatrice’s new music project on the Cassini space mission; and I talk to the cast and director of the upcoming “Bye Bye Birdie” at Children’s Musical Theaterworks. [Updated to correct Brandon Weis’ last name]
The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible. The Munro Review is funded in part by the City of Fresno Measure P Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Fund administered by the Fresno Arts Council.
Nina
Thank you for you and all you do for the Valley art’s community