July, 2001 issue

Merchant of Venice has been chosen to open the 15th season of the company. It will be followed by Romeo and Juliet from July 18. The two productions will play in rotating repertory until August 3, with Romeo and Juliet completing the season through September 2.

Founding Artistic Director Terence O'Brien says of Merchant of Venice, "The way I read the play, Shylock is a villain because he is a villain--not because he is a Jew. In this play, Shakespeare asks us to look at some very unattractive traits and attitudes...and the way those attitudes collide make for very exciting drama...Shakespeare met his characters head-on, and we need to meet his play head-on or we do him a great disservice."

Mr. O'Brien's thoughts aside, the character of Shylock, the Jewish money lender, and his treatment at the hands of the Christians, remains an uncomfortable element in the otherwise romantic comedy.

Stephen Paul Johnson interprets Shylock in the direct way interpreted by the director, but with sufficient dignity to provide a tinge of compassion for his lot.

Two of the most outstanding players are Paul Bates and Daniel Mazollo. Both have the ability to shamelessly light up the stage. Bates, as the disappointed suitor to Portia, The Prince of Morocco, is hugely entertaining, and demonstrated his acting credentials again in the more subdued dual role of Tubal, a friend of Shylock. Mazollo added not so discreet light touches to the character of Solanio, friend of Antonio and Bassanio, which elevated his role. No wonder he was chosen to introduce the play and request (demand?) the audience turn off any cell phones.

In the leading feminine role of Portia, the virtuous, smart heiress, Nance Williamson provides the audience with yet another admirable performance. Her twinkle and reactions to her fellow players are flawless. Her lady-in-waiting, Nerissa, is portrayed by Julie Fain Lawrence in an equally engaging fashion.

The Merchant of Venice himself, Antonio, a relatively lack-luster role, was ably played by veteran Kurt Rhoads. Colin Stokes created amusement to balance the gloom generated by Shylock, as his servant, Launcelot Gobbo. As the ungrateful Jessica, Shylock's daughter, Yosefa Forma interacted ideally with her suitor, Lorenzo, played well by Michael Borrelli.

All of the young people in the supporting roles captured the enthusiastic spirit of the company, with their lively shrugs and participation. Rachel Attridge designed the costumes in a timeless fashion, with a slightly modern air and pleasing sense of color, so the characters wear them with grace and flair.

The lavishness of the setting, with the audience seated under a large tent looking out over the landscaped gardens to the Hudson River Highlands allows the festival to fulfill its purpose as stated in the program: "...producing the plays of Shakespeare with an economy of style that focuses its energy and resources on script, actors and audience."

This summer's productions are expected to attract 22,000 audience members from the Hudson Valley and beyond. Ticket prices are: Wednesday and Thursday, $20; Friday and Sunday, $28 and, Saturday, $32. Curtain times are 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 8pm on Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Boscobel's grounds are open for picnicking two hours before each performance, and patrons may order picnics through the Festival's box office at 845-265-9575. Beverages, light snacks and desserts are available on the grounds. Some tickets are still available, but patrons are advised to reserve as early as possible.