By DANIEL SHOCK
A Seat on the Aisle
Attending a performance of a Shakespeare play can often feel like homework. The language can wash over you without penetrating, leaving you baffled about what is happening on stage. When I attend a play by the bard that I am unfamiliar with, it can sometimes take up to half an hour into the performance before I start to grasp the relationships and motivations of the characters.
Troilus and Cressida is one such play that I have not seen or read. I cannot compare Marcia Eppich-Harris’ musical adaptation to the original traditional version of the story. However, I can attest that it did not feel like homework. Sitting down in the Shelton Auditorium on the Butler campus, I was treated to an entertaining fusion of the old and the new.
The talent we have in central Indiana is truly impressive. Over the past year, I have witnessed more than one original piece of theater that not only avoided being terrible but was also highly entertaining. It is evident that Eppich-Harris has made substantial cuts to the dialog and replaced them with several original songs – catchy and moving tunes that shoulder the weight of helping us comprehend the story and the characters.
Prior to seeing the play, I had a conversation with her about the changes. She estimated that about 95 percent of the dialog remained Shakespeare’s. Some alterations were made to the order, and much was trimmed to allow room for the music. Her intention was to amplify the voices of the women in the play and deepen our understanding of Cressida’s actions as she becomes a pawn in the war.
Matthew Walls as Troilus and Amalia Howard as Cressida. (Photos by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
In her program notes, she writes, “Set in the seventh year of the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida reintroduces characters from Greek mythology, but Troilus and Cressida may be somewhat less familiar. Troilus (Matthew Walls) is the youngest son of King Priam of Troy, and Cressida (Amalia Howard) is a Trojan woman under the care of her uncle, Pandarus (Paul Hansen). Traditionally, Cressida has been portrayed as a traitorous woman who betrays her lover, Troilus; however, I have always believed her story to be more complex than what writers across the ages have allowed.”
The show has been well cast. Matthew Walls, as Troilus, portrays the character with masculinity and heroism. Amalia Howard, in the role of Cressida, successfully reimagines a character historically vilified, bringing forth a nuanced portrayal that evokes empathy and understanding. Paul Hansen stands out as Pandarus, serving as Cressida’s guardian. He captures both the humor and tragedy of the character with gentle sensitivity. Brant Hughes delivers a captivating performance as Achilles, particularly in his solo, “The Rage of Achilles.” Kevin Bell portrays Ulysses with a strong presence and a pleasing voice, while Natalie Marchal impresses as Paris (a traditionally male role) the brother of Troilus and abductor of Helen.
Carolyn Rae Lynch wows the audience with her remarkable singing voice as Helen of Troy. Anthony Nathan steals the show with his portrayal of Thersites, providing endless laughs throughout the performance. Rachel Snyder leaves a lasting impression in her portrayal of the arrogant Agamemnon (again, in a traditionally male role)
Jenn Kaufmann as Andromache and Rob Beltz as Hector. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
The rest of the company, including Kendall Maxwell as Ajax, Nick Asher as Diomedes, Aaron Henze as Aeneas, Jennifer Kaufmann as Andromache, Lane Snyder as Iphigenia and Servant, Robert Beltz as Hector, and Karen Webster-Cones as Priam and Menelaus, deliver outstanding performances that contribute to the overall excellence of the production.
The cast is charming, and the songs are catchy. If I have any criticism, it’s that some of the singing seemed off to me last night. However, it’s very possible that can be attributed to opening night jitters or even my aging ears. This was a minor issue there is nothing to keep me from enjoying the show and recommending that you take a chance and see this new interpretation of a classic and support our local creatives.
The set design by Nick Kilgore is simple yet effective, creating an appropriate atmosphere for the production. Eric Matters’ lighting design is equally impressive, adding depth and enhancing the visual elements of the show. The costumes, skillfully designed by Karen Webster-Cones, strike a balance between old and new, effectively evoking the desired time and place. Natalie Marchal’s choreography is simple yet enhances the overall aesthetic of the musical adaptation, adding movement and grace to the performances. Music director Seth Young deserves praise for his contribution in arranging the score and skillfully leading the live musicians backstage.
Marcia Eppich-Harris has much to be proud of with this musical production. She composed, wrote, and directed it, assembling a team that brought it to life. The tremendous energy and effort involved in putting it all together are truly admirable.
Please be advised that this show contains frank discussions of sexual assault and the effects of war on women and children. It is recommended for audiences aged 16 and up, considering the mature content.
Troilus & Cressida: The Musical, produced by the Southbank Theatre Company, is currently running at The Shelton Auditorium, located at 1000 W. 42nd St., Indianapolis. The upcoming performances are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
For tickets, please contact the box office at (317) 940-6444 or purchase them at this link.
Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.