Measure for Measure Amuses Audiences

By Broadside Asst. Style Editor Nicole Ocran
Photo by Broadside Photographer Molly Maddra

Deception, sexual relationships, justice and morality are the main themes of William Shakespeare’s "Measure for Measure." This “problem comedy,” whose issues still hold true today, was the final GMU Players production for this spring and debuted on April 24 in the TheaterSpace.

GMU Players once again reinforced Shakespeare’s staying power with their performance.

The plot is as follows: Lord Angelo, played by junior theater major Matt Friedman, as temporary ruler of Vienna, sentences Claudio, played by sophomore theater major Jack Higgins, to death for impregnating Juliet, played by sophomore theater and communication major Carina Czipoth, outside of marriage. Angelo has been left in power by the Duke, played by senior theater major Sean Kinslow, who essentially wants him to reinforce the laws against brothels and pre-marital sex. Angelo wants to make an example out of Claudio to the lawbreaking Viennese. Lucio, played by junior theater major Charles Mann, a close friend of Claudio’s, implores Claudio’s sister, Isabella, played by senior performing arts major Theresee McNichol, a novice nun, to convince Angelo to let her brother live. Angelo will only let Claudio live if Isabella gives Angelo her virginity.

Sound simple? Not quite.

Kinslow was effective in his role as the deceitful Duke, and while Friedman’s severity as Angelo was sometimes hard to see, his lechery was overwhelming. Czipoth’s portrayal of Isabella’s internal struggle was impressively unwavering. However, it was Mann as the flamboyant Lucio who stole the show with his comedic timing as the bachelor. Sophomore music and theater major Tom Prescott also deserves credit for his clownish-humor in Pompey.

While the cast and crew were consistent and well-practiced, the slow pacing allows for minds to wander. Because the performance was so drawn out, the acting became secondary to the raised and tilted set pieces made primarily of newspaper.

Director and set designer Rick Davis had sustainable theater in mind and incorporated environmentally-friendly ideas to all aspects of design. Written in the playbill is Davis’ instruction for the show to use “no new materials except where necessary; anything new must be reusable after the show; use ‘green’ materials wherever possible,” even by using recycled paper for the playbills and scripts.

This includes eco-friendly sealants, glues, and paints and natural fiber materials, as well as existing fabric for costumes, and the purchase of carbon offsets to decrease its effects within the lighting design.

The lighting design complemented the set design, red and blue lights reflected the golden spackled stage beautifully. The simplicity of the set pieces contrasted the primarily regal 17th century costume design very well. All in all, the GMU Players put on another remarkable performance.

"Measure for Measure" will run a second weekend from May 1 to May 4 in the TheatreSpace at the Performing Arts Building. Performances on May 1 to May 3 are at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinee performances on May 3 and May 4. Tickets are $6 for general admission and $3 for students, seniors, staff, with a limited number of student tickets available. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office and at the door.