Last Chance to See “Richard III”

The Civic Theater's production of Richard III goes through this weekend, and I'm going to tell you, right here and now, you do NOT want to miss this show.  Before you roll your eyes and groan "ugh... Shakespeare," lend me your ear, won't you?

First, Shakespeare isn't supposed to be read, it's supposed to be seen. So forget freshman year of high school and the six weeks you spent trying to care about iambic pentameter.  There is a very good reason that his plays have been performed for hundreds of years; he's The Man.

Second, Richard is one the best villains in history.  Described to have had a hunched back, shriveled arm, and a taste for royal blood, Richard Plantagenet has gone down as one of the baddest baddies of all time - killing anyone who stands in his way of the throne and going to bed with any woman who will help him closer to it.  Actor Mitch Voss does this expertly with a grin and a flair that has you begging for more.  Much like Batman's Joker, there's a certain charm in the madness that is undeniable. The performances combined with Todd Espeland's direction play up the humor and you find yourself laughing inappropriately and loving every moment of it. Special shout-out to Josh King and Zac Thompson as two hired hit-men sent to kill Clarence (Paul Kriner) who bumble their way through the crime almost Laurel and Hardy style .

My friend Joanie hates Shakespeare. You say the name and she cringes. But she has a few friends in the show, so she jumped on this grenade in the name of friendship.  By intermission she was posting on Facebook about how much she was enjoying the show and the performances ("Mitch Voss IS Richard III")... so, if a woman in this humor can be wooed, you will be, too.

Richard III: performances at The Parish Theater Friday and Saturday at 7:30.  Call the box office at 343.1313 to reserve your tickets.