Arts & Entertainment
The First City Players: Much
Ado About Nothing
Review By Bill Hupe
July 03, 2006
Monday
Ketchikan, Alaska - The First City Players' performance of Shakespeare's
comedy, Much Ado About Nothing was held June 25th at the Higgins
Point Amphitheatre against the beautiful backdrop of Higgins
Point, cloudy grey skies, and the occasional bald eagle. Even
though it had rained continuously for most of the weekend, the
rain let up as the performance started, and held for the duration
of the play, promising a very special performance.
The First City Players:
Much Ado About Nothing
Photograph courtesy Susan Batho & Bill Hupe
Period music, provided by the aptly named Rainy Day Recorders,
took us away from the present day, and into the world of Shakespeare's
comedy. The sparcity of props was not noticeable, the company
making the most of the backdrop of the ampitheatre itself and
when the 'team of horses' appeared, itwas one of the most priceless
moments of the production.
The performances, some by first
time actors, ranged from very good to excellent. With only one
or two exceptions, the voices were easily carried to the back
of the amphitheatre so that it was easy to hear and understand
the entire performance. The lead characters, especially Erin
Jakubek in the role of Hero, the slandered bride to be, were
excellent. The two scheming, charming, humorous fathers, played
by Terry O'Hara and Hakan Sebcioglu [Leonato and Balthasar] balanced
their roles just right.
The First City Players:
Much Ado About Nothing
Photograph courtesy Susan Batho & Bill Hupe
Of special note is Clare Bennett in the role of Dogberry. Although
a minor character in the play, she stole the scene a couple of
times, and rightly so - she was absolutely hilarious attempting
to explain the previous night's events to Leonato and Balthasar,
'his' buddy. Also, Verges (Misty Franklin) providing the perfect
foil to the Constable's impossible logic.
Special credit also needs to
be given to the costumers - the ladies' costumes displayed an
amazing array of colours that complemented Nature's surroundings.
Did anyone else notice the use of retired computer pieces in
the costuming? A good codpiece is hard to find
Overall, an excellent production,
especially suited to the outdoors. Certainly bring your picnic
lunch for Shakespeare's long performances, and enjoy the music
as well as the best of our local scenery, not to mention the
considerable talents of our First City Players. Well worth visiting
again in future productions.
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