Richard III
at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School

Reviewed on November 7, 2014

Joey Ledonio
Bishop Ireton High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Alex/Arl

Violent swordplay, haunting music, and a deformed king welcomed an audience into the world of Richard III. With dexterity and talent, themes of power and betrayal unfolded in St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's dystopian production of Richard III.

Written in approximately 1592, Richard III depicts the rise and fall of King Richard III of England. William Shakespeare weaves together power and evil to tell this cautionary tale. Willing to stop at nothing to gain and keep his crown, Richard III forges his path to the throne through bloodshed and corruption. Richard III, famous for its deformed titular character, is frequently performed by many high schools and community theaters to this day.

Set in a oppressed world, this production of Richard III came alive through a dark conceptualization to match the play's already contemptuous undertones. The technical crew excelled with its fractured and frantic aesthetic, allowing the stage to be completely transformed. The expansive set appeared broken and fragmented to match Richard's cynical power grab while providing functional platforms and projection screens to propel the story forward. Effective projections showed images of those murdered by Richard and aided the audience's understanding of the play. Lighting showed an incredible range of textures while shrouding violence in darkness and flooding the stage with deep, piercing reds. Additionally, mics were used effectively to compensate for any issues with diction and projection. Technical aspects truly worked as a whole, coming together to create powerful scenes in a perfect marriage of sound, light, and sights.

With wistful vocals and eerie chords, impressive punk-rock incidental music stole the show. Student composed and performed, the musical aspect of this production truly enhanced and never detracted. Iona and Mey McLean created grizzly motifs and grim themes to accent each murder and monologue providing the essential thread to tie the show's dystopian aesthetics together.

In the role of Richard III, Alex Collins tore the audience from their seats and carried them along for the ride. Collins proved to be the driving force behind the show, finding momentum in the story when others faltered. Through excellent delivery of Shakespeare's poetic language, Collins created a markedly expressive character. While limping with an uneven gait and spitting out sarcastic witticisms, Collins formed clear and distinctive chemistry with each actor on stage and with every stringent command and gentle caress. His interactions with the fiery Nancy Brooks in the role of Tyrrel titillated the audience and revealed Richard's hunger for power and willingness to manipulate. Josh Movius, as the Duke of Buckingham, capably demonstrated Richard's fall from favor as the play progressed through his defiance of the maniacal monarch.

Through apparent dedication and admirable creativity, the students at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School put on an exceedingly haunting performance.

Elizabeth Coo
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Alex/Arl

A heavy bass line rips through the air. Harsh top lighting illuminates a geometric chaos as blood red roses are projected in the sky. Is it a rock concert? No, even better: it is St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's production of Shakespeare's Richard III.

Richard III is one of Shakespeare's earlier plays, written around 1591. Based on the circumstances surrounding the English civil wars known as the Wars of the Roses, Richard is a member of the House of York that fights with the House of Lancaster for the crown. A self-centered and ambitious character, he does not hesitate to kill everyone who stands in his way to the throne. Shakespeare chronicles the deadly ascension and treacherous defeat of the man who becomes Richard III, King of England.

Despite the dystopian twist of the production, tackling Shakespeare's classic language remained a formidable obstacle. However, the entire cast rose to the challenge and demonstrated an understanding of the sometimes confusing dialogue. The ensemble delivered energetic performances that engaged the story line and audience.

Alex Collins artfully pivoted between the manipulative and maniacal sides of Richard III. His ability to transition between emotions powerfully drew the audience and fellow characters into his schemes. Collins cleverly used Richard's deformities as a power play to move into other characters' personal spaces. His unique physicality was consistent and especially mesmerizing during chilling soliloquies.

Collins's commanding stage presence wove a tense connection between him and the rest of the cast, the chemistry especially palpable in scenes with Ellen Stevens (Queen Elizabeth), Sarah Wilton (Lady Anne), and Nancy Brooks (Tyrrel). Another standout performance was Josh Movius as Lord Buckingham, whose charisma and dynamic with Collins made the early alliance and later betrayal between Buckingham and Richard memorable.

The technical elements of the production were, in a word, staggering. An original score composed and performed by Iona and Mey McLean and lighting designed by Eric Karsten were particular showstoppers. The score was carefully orchestrated to complement the show, following not only the circumstances of the plot, but the highs and lows of actors' intonations. The riveting bass and heart-thumping drums at times distracted from what was happening onstage, nevertheless, they also greatly contributed to the flow of the production. Other technical highlights were the sound team, who managed nearly twenty lavalier microphones with seeming ease, and the set design team, who combined multi-level, industrial elements with the traditional Shakespearean three-quarter round thrust.

Between the post-apocalyptic concept, solidly committed cast, and atmospheric technical elements, St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's performance of Shakespeare's Richard III was a pretty rocking night.

Morgan Perigard
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

Men burst out from every corner of the stage, engaged in an epic battle. One man, with a metal leg brace, stands apart from the rest, commanding all eyes on him as he tears apart his opponents and leads his army to victory. This man, Richard, is seemingly heroic, but will shortly become the insane, vindictive killer that leads St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's production of Richard III.

Richard III, written by William Shakespeare in 1592, is Shakespeare's second longest play. The plot follows Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, in his malicious endeavors to seize the English throne. By murdering everyone who stands in his way of becoming king, Richard eventually brings on his own demise.

Alex Collins portrayed the malevolent, yet sardonic character of Richard with ease and a solid grasp of the Shakespearean language. Collins' powerful characterization was evident in his use of Richard's body deformities, as well as his physical movements. Richard's impaired leg and limp arm provided an outlet for Collins to emphasize Richard's arc from a cynical killer to pure insanity. Senior Ellen Stevens' performance of Queen Elizabeth served as a strong adversary to the character of Richard. Stevens' riveting stage presence and understanding of her character highlighted Elizabeth's hostility towards Richard's immoral rise to power.

Other notable performances were displayed throughout the powerful ensemble. Josh Movius as the Duke of Buckingham added a complexity to the production as an ally of Richard. Buckingham's loyalty and support to the conniving Richard perfectly captured the essence of the thematic sense of manipulation throughout the play. Another commendable performance was junior Sarah Wilton who created a memorable depiction of Lady Anne. Wilton used her limited stage time to effortlessly capture Anne's transformation from a mourning widow to a hopeless woman who eventually agrees to marry Richard.

The technical aspects of Richard III added character and appeal to the production. Lighting, by Eric Karsten and Nolan Thompson, encapsulated the overall concept of the show and reflected the themes of the play, through details such as projecting roses on the set to symbolize the War of the Roses. Also admirable was the contrast in lighting during the dream sequence, which used shadows to execute the experience. Though there were many strong technical features, the stand-out portion of the production was the original score developed by Iona and Mey McLean. The chilling bass lines combined with the stunning harmonies were synonymous with Richard's madness. While the score consisted primarily of a few major chords, the McLean sisters were able to differentiate the music during particular scenes. The climax of the score during the dream sequence was breathtaking without pulling away from the simplicity of the overall music.

It takes patience, determination, and incredible talent to pull off a Shakespeare play and St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School did just that. Their production of Richard III combined laudable acting, well-executed technical features, and a new and creative concept to set the perfect stage for Richard's violent rise to the English throne.

Kaitlyn Lunardi
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Alex

A thunderous beat and heart-pounding battle awaken the audience to the dismal, dystopian world developed before them. Eerie lighting rivals the intense sounds of warfare and thus begins the exhilarating performance that is St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's rendition of Richard III.

This iconic Shakespearean history is set in the late 15th Century and follows the horrific story of Richard of York, younger brother to King Edward IV. Jealous and power-hungry, Richard vows to murder anyone and everyone necessary for him to claim the crown, including his own brothers. The more Richard slaughters for his chance at the throne, the more the public comes to despise him. Word spreads of King Richard's atrocities and a new man, the earl of Richmond, steps up to correct the wrongdoings. In a vicious final battle, Richard is slain and Richmond becomes crowned King Henry VII.

St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's production channeled a new, dystopian concept for this renowned show which was brilliantly incorporated into every element this band of thespians had to offer. Through all of the technical elements the concept presented itself cleanly, but did not feel forced, nor did it overshadow the plot. This, in combination with the general understanding of the difficult language on behalf of the cast, elevated this production of "Richard III" beyond the average high school level.

Alex Collins, who portrayed the disgustingly evil King Richard, brought a whole new meaning to sadistic and creepy (in the most wonderful way possible). Collins' eloquence connected him to his character, making way for such a dynamic performance. Collins showed no hesitation towards owning Richard's obsessed, despotic ways, clearly shown through his chemistry with all of his fellow cast mates. The cast's overall connection with Collins allowed for him to expertly explore the use of invading personal space and comfort zones as a tool for expressing dominance.

Some such characters whom Collins had the most notable chemistry with were Buckingham (Josh Movius) and Queen Elizabeth (Ellen Stevens). Movius had perfect timing with Collins throughout the show and, more than this, he was able to match Collins' energy and stage presence. Even when onstage for several minutes without any interactions, Movius remained attentive and actively engaged in his scenes. Such is also true of Stevens' beautiful performance. She understood how to channel the power her character possessed to the point that her very nature was one of royal authority. Stevens countered Collins' brutality impeccably with more soft emotions, but remained as fierce opposition.

The set, lighting, and creative elements contained within the show were breathtaking. The massive, stationary set included a range of many levels, as well as several white screens incorporated towards the top of it all. It was an aesthetically pleasing, organized chaos of a set, enhanced only by the superb lighting elements. Color choices and intensity levels brought new meanings to certain scenes and highlighted, quite literally, the most extraordinary moments in the play. The student-composed music, which was played live by one drummer and one guitarist, set the tone of the show with the most melodiously haunting tunes, truly completing the glorious performance.

An intriguing concept was presented through brilliantly executed technical work and a dedicated, talented cast, creating wonderful stage pictures and theatrical moments throughout. St. Stephen's & St Agnes School's performance of "Richard III" was certainly one for the books.

Andrew Sharpe
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

"There is no creature loves me, and if I die, no soul shall pity me." These words could not be more true for the deformed King Richard III in St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School's dystopian production of Richard III.

Shakespeare's Richard III, written in 1592, is set just after The War of the Roses. The play follows the corrupted rise to power of King Richard of England. Richard III is the longest play of the First Folio and often is performed abridged. Shakespeare's thoughts about power in Richard III live on in everyday culture and society.

Alex Collins embodied the flawed and disfigured character of Richard III with composed skill. His understanding of the text allowed for the dark humor of Richard III to shine through. Alex acted with an arm in a cast and a leg in a brace. His hand contortions and body language added to his well-developed character. Alex kept the play moving with his intensity and dedication to the role. Despite knowing Richard III's actions are wrong, the audience finds itself sympathizing with him and even rooting for him to become king.

Queen Elizabeth, portrayed by Ellen Stevens, reflected the regal persona necessary for her role as a queen and delivered crisp lines with Richard III. Another character who demonstrated an ability to create audible and entertaining dialogue with Richard was Lady Anne, played by Sarah Wilton. Lady Anne in her scene mourning over the death of her husband showed her strength, but also the easy manipulation of her heart towards Richard III. Josh Movius portrayed Buckingham's arc of character from being a follower to going against Richard III in an interesting and adroit manner. The entire ensemble was involved throughout the show, which can be especially difficult with Shakespeare.

The technical aspects of the show added immensely to the overall performance. The student composed score created an environment to elicit emotions of fear and anxiety. Even though it was sometimes distracting, it was incredible work by the two musicians to connect with Richard III through dark and creepy chords. The lighting for this show reflected the character of Richard III through a harsh mix of crimson colors. Many images were projected upon the set including two red roses and short flash images of those killed. Both of these images helped the scenes in which they were used by creating an ominous feeling in the audience.The set fit the theme of the show of industrial dystopian through its many rustic and cluttered elements. The set design enhanced the scenes up on the catwalk by offering many different shapes and openings for dialogue.

Performing Shakespeare is a challenge, but St. Stephen's and St. Agnes poised production of Richard III rose to the occasion and brought the classical text to life on stage.