Stars shine on Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Antony and Cleopatra

The stabilized ruins of the old Patapsco Female Institute sit high atop a hill overlooking the valley which channels the Patapsco River.  It’s a far cry from a mausoleum in Alexandria, Egypt and the roar of the mighty Nile River.  Yet on a warm summer night, under the stars in placid Ellicott City, Maryland, the Female Institute provides a perfect setting to enjoy William Shakespeare’s historical tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra.

Antony and Cleopatra is the first offering of the summer season by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company (CSC).  Directed by Ralph Alan Cohen, Antony and Cleopatra tells the story of the love and alliance between two of history’s more luminous figures.

CSCAC4
Isabelle Anderson and Molly Moores as Cleopatra and Charmain

A quick synopsis of the play is difficult, given that it is awash with dozens of characters and so many ancient, incest-inspired names.  But the bare bones précis is: After the assassination of Julius Caesar, various factions rise up to wrest control of the Roman Empire.  Cleopatra, the intoxicating Queen of Egypt, aligns with Antony, the late Caesar’s trusted general and friend.  The two marry, much to the chagrin of the folks back in Rome, and this alliance ultimately brings Antony into conflict with Octavius Caesar.  There are assorted agreements, betrayals and battles, but no, “Friends, Romans, Countrymen…” speech.  That can only be found in the play Julius Caesar and in your 10th grade English Literature textbook.

Without giving away the store, things do not end well for either Antony or Cleopatra.  But for a tragedy, Shakespeare has infused enough wry repartee in the dialogue to make Antony and Cleopatra border on being a first-rate farce.  This is not to say this production should be taken lightly.  Director Cohen has assembled an able cast and molded a very enjoyable show.

Matt Radford Davies and Isabelle Anderson headline as the principal characters, Antony and Cleopatra.  Both bring a wealth of experience to the open air stage.  Davies is particularly strong in the moments where Antony is at war with himself – trying to balance his duties as a Roman with his emotions for the beautiful queen.

Anderson is both becoming and beguiling as Cleopatra.  Her manner, even in the tenderest moments, is always patrician, imparting a queenly aura to her ever-present sexuality.

CSCAC3
Patrick Kilpatrick and David R Tabish as Octavius Caesar & Lepidus

CSC founding member Patrick Kilpatrick confidently conveys the authoritative Octavius Caesar, while Eric Humphries basks in the back-stabbing ways of the rogue General Pompey.  Other stand-outs in the cast include Jeff Keogh as Aggipa/Philo, Daniel Flint as Alexas/Diomedes and Vince Eisenson as Menas/Demetrrius/Eros/etc.  Lauren M. Davis brings a beautiful singing voice to the second act opening and the curtain segues.

Comic relief is provided early on by Kevin Costa as a nerdy Enobarbus, and again by Costa as the fig-bearing figure at the end of the play.  James Jager also shines in the humorous role of the ukulele playing court musician Mardian (and who couldn’t love a eunuch with a uke?)

A special nod to Costume Designer Marilyn Johnson for dressing the men like British solders and Cleopatra in an array of flattering evening gowns.

One note to the cast and director concerning blocking at this venue.  Several times during the show, the actors delivered key passages to other actors upstage. This was not a problem for some of the bigger voices in the ensemble, such as Eisenson, Flint, Costa and Keough (all of whom appear in multiple parts).  But for others in the cast, including the leads, several lines were lost to the cool night sky.  Cheating to the audience is a time-honored tradition most actors readily employ, but better placement of the players is always the preferred method for live theater.

The acoustical mishaps notwithstanding, this is a highly entertaining production and one this reviewer recommends.  Please note that parking for the venue is off-site and the walk, while pleasant, may be arduous to some.  A shuttle bus was available to return small groups of theater goers to the parking area at the Howard County courthouse, but for those who dine first at one of the many fine restaurants along main street in Ellicott City, be prepared to put your walking gear into climb.

The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s production of Antony and Cleopatra runs in rep along with a production of Taming of the Shrew now till July 15.  Taming of the Shrew will then continue until August 4.  Both shows will be staged at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City 21043.  Information about these shows may be found by visiting the CSC website or by calling 410-313-8661.