Cast photo of Oak Park Festival Theatre's "Julius Caesar"
© Oak Park Journal photo
Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" by the
Oak Park Festival Theatre
review by Ed Vincent
Oak Park Festival Theatre's latest production is another hit
in a long line of successes for the dynamic outdoor summer
thrill of live theater. There were mixed reactions to the
updated 1960's setting for the play, but the fine acting
and Skakespeare's writing brings the drama to life in any
time period.
Paul Perroni as Cassius was powerful and worked well with
Jason Ball in the role of Brutus. We are drawn into the
character of Julius Caesar by both his known fate, and the
big fine uniform of this setting, looking powerful and fascist
on the lit stage. John McFarland plays the role of Caesar with
charm and vigor, but it's his friends and enemies that get all
the fine parts. Cassius is fast paced and on the mark each
time, his delivery is focused and impassioned.
Cassius(Paul Perroni) and Brutus (Jason Ball) discuss
Caesar.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The play moves quickly and we even get to see handguns in
Oak Park (on stage and not in the hands of someone shooting
himself in the head..what a relief).
The oration of all makes this a pleasure for those who love the spoken writings of Shakespeare. The performances of those
both in the equity roles and those in the non-equity performances
are all top notch and well worth the price of admission. The
show is a grand night out and great place for visiting friends or
a place to end your block party. Plenty of parking and a great
location for picnics and drama.
© Oak Park Journal photos
The latest Supreme Court ruling might also be a topical update to
this struggle for power with egos and views often conflicting with
the executive (Caesar) and the legislative (Senators). Come and
see this ever present perspective of politics and life and Austin Gardens is the right place this summer.
Oak Park Festival Theatre Presents Julius Caesar by Shakespeare Austin Gardens Park, Forest Avenue,
one block north of Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
What’s New? An updated staging of Shakespeare’s shortest play, this take on tragedy and politics
will be set in the 1960’s – when America was beginning to question its leadership.
Director
David Mink, who is celebrating 42 years as a theatre professional (director, producer, actor) staged OPFT’s critically acclaimed Tartuffe by Molière in Pleasant Home, and last year’s All My Sons by Arthur Miller. He has directed at Drury Lane Theatre Evergreen Park,
Shady Lane Playhouse in Marengo, IL, won two Jefferson Awards, appeared in over 100 productions, including many at the Goodman, National Jewish, the various Drury Lanes, Victory Gardens, and numerous theatres across the country. David is co-owner of Redmink Productions and lives in Chicago.
Cast
Chris
Petschler * as Mark Anthony
Jason Ball* as Brutus,
John McFarland* as Caesar
Jonathon Nichols as Casca
Jimmy Binns as Cicero
Kelly Lynn Hogan as Calpurnia
Katherine Keberlein as Portia
Vincent Scola as Trebonius
James Dolson as Octavius
and understudy as Mark Anthony
Todd Jackson as Flavius
Daniel Bakken as Decius Brutus
CJ Julun as Marullus
Esteban Cruz as Lucius
Phil Carlin as Messala and Legaius
Kimberly Logan as Artimidorus
Andrew Yearick as Cinna and Young Cato
Paul Perroni as Cassius
Murphy Turner as Metellus Cimber
Jason Ball* as Brutus,
John McFarland* as Caesar
Jonathon Nichols as Casca
Jimmy Binns as Cicero
Kelly Lynn Hogan as Calpurnia
Katherine Keberlein as Portia
Vincent Scola as Trebonius
James Dolson as Octavius
and understudy as Mark Anthony
Todd Jackson as Flavius
Daniel Bakken as Decius Brutus
CJ Julun as Marullus
Esteban Cruz as Lucius
Phil Carlin as Messala and Legaius
Kimberly Logan as Artimidorus
Andrew Yearick as Cinna and Young Cato
Paul Perroni as Cassius
Murphy Turner as Metellus Cimber
Artistic Staff
David Mink, Director;
Robert Behr*, Stage Manager;
Jack Hickey* Artistic Director;
Rebecca Hamlin, Set Designer;
Jeremy Getz, Lighting Designer;
Kyle Irwin and Cecil Averett, Sound Designers;
JoEllen Koppenaal, Costume Designer.
David Mink, Director;
Robert Behr*, Stage Manager;
Jack Hickey* Artistic Director;
Rebecca Hamlin, Set Designer;
Jeremy Getz, Lighting Designer;
Kyle Irwin and Cecil Averett, Sound Designers;
JoEllen Koppenaal, Costume Designer.
Theatre
OPFT is a professional theatre company, in its 31st year presenting Shakespeare and the classics. In the past, its productions were staged in pastoral outdoor Austin Gardens Park in Oak Park, IL. This year, the Company has expanded the season to include indoor plays, the family Sunday Storytelling Series, and touring shows such as Classics Connections – Shakespeare: Scenes, Sonnets and Songs.
Dates
June 22 – August 15, 2006
Sunday performances 7 PM
Family Days special performances 5 PM, other evenings 8 PM
June 22 – 25 Preview performances, June 29 Gala pre-show opening 6:30 PM, Student Nights June 7, Industry Nights every Thursday June and July. See website for exact dates and times (www.oakparkfestival.com)
Tickets $17-$25 – group discounts and special pricing available.
Purchase tickets online at Theatermania.com. Call 708-445-4440 for reservations or visit our website at www.oakparkfestival.com
Oak Park Festival Theatre
P. O. Box 4114
Oak Park, IL 60303
(708) 445-4440
www.oakparkfestival.com
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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