It’s no secret that the gays love their drama.
So if its drama you’re looking for be sure to catch a unique and entertaining look at Shakespeare’s Richard the Third, thanks to the artistic direction of Denice Hicks.
It’s a true marriage of Vaudeville and Shakespeare as we watch the Tudors and Yorks murdered at the hest of ‘King Richard’. The melodrama offers a funny look at this villain who eventually becomes king despite all of those relatives who stood in his way.
Navada Shane Morgan stars as the play’s leading politician and he’s supported by an excellent cast as well as some outstanding costumes. Morgan is assisted in his deadly dealings by R. Alex Murray and Jesse James Locorriere, who, in a very Vaudeville manner, remind us of a twisted Laurel and Hardy playing Catesby and Tyrrel.
Granted, the play is one that can be hard to follow. So many characters, so many heirs to the throne to murder - Hicks overcomes much of this by using headshots on a marquee poster, and has them tossed into a wastebasket each time a character meets his or her demise.
The cast includes local talent and several Belmont students. The audience clearly enjoyed the performance of Nan Gurley as Queen Elizabeth. Brenda Sparks, as Queen Margaret, had a strong singing voice and reminds us how mean a scorned woman is. She gives a powerful performance from the minute she walks on stage.
The audience laughed out loud several times during the performance - and you’ll find the Troutt Theater on the Belmont campus a warm and inviting place to view the performance. The play runs through Feb. 1.
What: Richard the Third
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday now through Feb. 1
Where: Belmont University’s Troutt Theater, 2100 Belmont Blvd.
Cost: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, $10 for students. Matinees are $15/$14/$8, respectively.
Info: nashvilleshakes.org, ticketsnashville.com, 255-2273