Measure For Measure at Dutch Country Players in Telford, PA

Theater: Dutch Country Players
Show: Measure For Measure
Opened: April 4, 2008

In his review of Measure For Measure, published in Hearthstone Town and Country, Bill Thobaben wrote, “Director Ray Thompson has placed the production in a techno world that, in the beginning, isn’t really the nicest place. We’re greeted at the door by prostitutes and a pimp, a world of black leather, bustiers, and smiles. No one is actually suggesting any untoward behavior but the idea is rather clear and the cast is very careful with the younger members of the audience.” Thobaben goes on to explain the setting further. “It’s 1984 and there is a robotic and big brotherish feel that is only enhanced by the use of computer generated slogans and statements on a large video screen stage left which can also show the set and with the house lights up, a little discomfortingly, the audience.”

Thobaben explains the challenge of presenting this particular bit of Shakespeare. “What makes this play difficult is its lack of a clear genre. By Will’s standards this is a comedy. There are no deaths and the ending is quite cheerful and bright. The rest of the play, however, is dark and filled with an assortment of actions that can only lead to moral judgments and punishments.”

What about the cast, you ask? Thobaben wrote, “The women are the strongest in this production with Sandra Landers’ Lucio as the most believable of characters followed closely by Nancy Server Thompson as Isabella. These two are more convincing vocally and physically.”

In conclusion, Thobaben remarks that “Dutch Country Players should be congratulated for presenting a Shakespeare each year. They are difficult plays to pull off on a community level and this group has done some admirable work with them. This is one of the better productions and as their program says, this it “Theater in your own backyard!”

Measure For Measure runs through April 20, 2008. Don’t miss it!