Theatre Review | ‘Richard III’ Rages to Life at A Noise Within

Richard III at A Noise Within {Photo – Craig Schwartz)

Shakespeare just never gets old.

By Pat Smith

For proof, look to A Noise Within’s production of Richard III—relevant, profound, professional, and accessible from beginning (chairs used effectively for sound effects, weapons, barriers, and seating) to end.

The cast is excellent and large, with several actors playing more than one part.

This is one of Shakespeare’s history plays, but it moves like a tragedy. And a modern one. Richard’s rise through lies, manipulation, deceit, and—most important—his demand for loyalty from his sycophants, loyalty he repays with brutality and betrayal, shows that 20th- and 21st-century dictators have predecessors that Niccolò Machiavelli described 100 years before he influenced Shakespeare.

Though the set, supporting actors, the music, and the use of video technology are all first-rate, what makes this play fly is Ann Noble, who plays Richard III as a raging, angry David Bowie. When she turns to the audience after each treacherous and duplicitous dealing with one character after another and reveals Richard’s true evil purposes, this audience member felt as if Richard were speaking directly to me. I sing the praises of Ann Noble while cheering Richard’s well-deserved demise.

Ann Noble {Photo – Craig Schwartz)

Richard III
written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Guillermo Cienfuegos
Cast: Lynn Robert Berg, Lesley Fera, Neill Fleming, Samuel Garnett, Wesley Guimarães, Veralyn Jones, Trisha Miller, Alex Neher, Ann Noble, Tony Pasqualini, Erika Soto, Randolph Thompson, Brendan Burgos, Vic Crusaos, Dominick Jaramillo, Micah Lanfer, Sean Umeda.
Through March 8
A Noise Within
3352 E Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(Free parking available directly behind the theater at the
Sierra Madre Villa Metro parking structure, 149 N. Halstead St.)