CLAUDIO (Geoffrey Nolan, left) and The Duke (Steve Rhyne) during rehearsals for the Town Hall production of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” playing now through June 15.
Jay Yamada photos

Theater review by Elizabeth Warnimont
Special to The Herald

Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” the tale of a duke who poses as a friar to discover his people’s true loyalties, opened at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette on Saturday. Judging by Friday’s preview showing, it is bound to be highly entertaining, largely thanks to strong performances by a few exceptional players.

Steve Rhyne is Vicentio, duke of Vienna, in this adaptation written and directed by Town Hall Technical Director Chris Hayes. During the preview, Rhyne demonstrated an impressive mastery of the Shakespearean tongue. In the lengthy opening scene, his delivery was so smooth and quick, in fact, that it was a bit of a challenge to keep up with him. Once he reappears in friar’s robes, though, the language becomes softer and easier to follow.

Aiding Rhyne in the introductory scene is Lauren Spencer as Escalus, assistant to the duke. While all of the characters in “Measure” appear in modern dress, Spencer brings the clearest element of contemporary style to the stage in a well-fitted business suit, her hair neatly pulled back. Spencer stands tall and confident, exuding professionalism. She interacts smoothly and warmly with the duke and displays a consistently comfortable manner with the other players, maintaining a voice that is authoritative yet politely subservient.

ESCALUS (Lauren Spencer), Claudio and Lucio (Damien Seperi).

There are many players in this Shakespearean tangle of deception, so even with the cast of 12 it is necessary for some of the Town Hall actors to double up. Director Hayes may have chosen not to alter their appearances too much in the spirit of playfulness, making it a point to let the audience in on some of the machinations of the production by allowing them to readily recognize the duplicates. This actually works well with the casualness surrounding all of the scenes outside the “Office of the Government.” It also keeps the audience on its toes, however, demanding particularly close attention.

Town Hall artistic director Clive Worsley gets to have some lighthearted fun in the role of Pompey the happy criminal, continually brought before the courts but always managing to slither away on his wits. Fellow Town Hall regular Joel Roster is Angelo, the second-in-line who takes the helm while the duke is away. Angelo takes a hard line on the oppressive codes of moral conduct imposed by his superior, yet finds himself lecherously drawn to a young woman (Anya Kazimierski as Isabella) when she comes to him to plead for the life of her brother, who has been jailed and awaits execution.

ISABELLA (Anya Kazimierski).

Kazimierski is the most engaging presence in the Town Hall production. Her emotions come through strongly as Isabella encounters first cruelty, then a bit of compassion, followed by callousness, disillusionment and finally intolerable moral corruption. Kazimierski brings a brightness to the stage that is unmistakable, lending a personal aspect that draws audiences in to the play’s more contemplative undertones.

Lafayette’s “Measure for Measure” brings together a strong cast in a compelling tale, executed in the spirit of mischief that is well known to fans of Shakespeare’s brand of humor. Hayes’ adaptation simplifies the plot just enough to make it appealing to a wide audience. “This streamlined version of ‘Measure for Measure’ offers a new opportunity to enjoy the play free of Bard-phobia syndrome,” he says.

Considering the timing — late spring — the play also serves as a gentle prelude to the Shakespeare-rich summer theater season ahead. Next week, in fact, California Shakespeare Theatre opens “The Tempest” at the Bruns Amphitheater in Orinda. See calshakes.com or call 510-548-3422 for details.

If You Go
“Measure for Measure” continues at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette through June 15. Tickets are $29 to $32 and are available by calling 925-283-1557 or online at thtc.org.

Elizabeth Warnimont is a freelance writer specializing in the performing arts. She is also a substitute teacher for the Benicia Unified School District.

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