By MARILYN JOZWIK
In so many of Shakespeare’s plays the modern-day expression “The bigger they are, the harder they fall” is most apt.
In Voices Found Repertory’s “Richard II,” one of Shakespeare’s history plays, England’s King Richard II (Kyle Conner) is smugly comfortable in his lofty post as the story begins. As the tragedy unfolds, Richard undergoes a fall from grace and an ignominious ending. Hannah Kubiak directs.
The play takes place from 1398-1400, at a time when kings thought they had divine rights, that their ancestry deemed that they should be above others. Says King Richard: “Not all the water in the rough rude sea can wash the balm off from an anointed king; the breath of worldly men cannot depose the deputy elected by the Lord.”
Scott Oehme-Sorenson, Stefan Kent and Matt Specht, from left, in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “Richard II.” Photo by Alexis Furseth
Totally unaware of his incompetence, Conner’s Richard revels in his kingliness, effecting a haughty tone and entitled manner bordering on petulance.
Yet, Richard’s indecisiveness, injustice, treachery and other leadership missteps give his cousin Bolingbroke (Stefan Kent), who is more attuned to his subjects and their needs, the opportunity to unseat the king from his lofty throne.
Things start to go off the rails for King Richard after he uses the death of John of Gaunt (Scott Oehme-Sorenson), Bolingbroke’s father, for a money and land grab, providing the means to start a war in Ireland. Richard angers his people with taxes, as well as noblemen for the sins of their ancestors.
While King Richard is away at war, Bolingbroke, determined to take back the land that is rightfully his, fills the leadership void in England, doing away with King Richard’s right-hand men and claiming the crown for himself.
Stefan Kent, Scott Oehme-Sorenson, Matt Specht, Brandon C. Haut and Jessica Trznadel, from left, in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “Richard II.” Photo by Alexis Furseth
Richard’s pity party when he realizes he’s losing the crown is a thing of beauty. Conner’s eyes are imploring, his voice filled with emotion as reality sets in and he sees the kingship slipping away. He sometimes looks to the audience for answers on how to deal with the next chapter in his life: “What must the king do now? Must he submit? The king shall do it: must he be deposed? The king shall be contented. Must he lose The name of king? o' God's name, let it go. … My subjects for a pair of carved saints and my large kingdom for a little grave, A little little grave, an obscure grave.”
In a bit of comedy, Richard aborts a couple efforts to hand his crown to Bolingbroke, looking almost like a child unwilling to give up his favorite marble after losing a match.
Conner dials through a whole host of emotions, using the entire stage plus broad and nuanced gestures. He makes the most of Shakespeare’s eloquence, from barely audible whispers to thunderous rants.
I loved the scene in which Richard is given a mirror and wonders if his new state as deposed king has made a change in his appearance. Conner makes Richard such a pitiful creature that it is heart-breaking to see what he’s become.
Brandon C. Haut and Faith Klick in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “Richard II.” Photo by Alexis Furseth
This is a marvelous cast, starting with Conner’s Richard and Kent’s Bolingbroke. Faith Klick as the Queen adds some wonderful scenes, including her tender farewell to Richard before his imprisonment and her departure for France. Jessica Trznadel, Melissa Tolner, Brandon C. Haut, and Matt Specht as the Duke of York complete the cast.
Voices Found gives the play a Roaring Twenties look, with men in suits and women characters in flapper-type outfits. The king himself wears a ruby-bedecked crown and a deep purple suit, setting him apart from his minions. He spends much of his time on his modern-looking throne on a slightly raised portion of the stage. Music of the 20s also is part of the show as are period set pieces.
Also enhancing the show are the fight scenes, which are quite realistic.
If you go:
Who: Voices Found Repertory
What: “Richard II”
When: Through Sept. 3
Where: Inspiration Studios, 1500 South 73rd St, West Allis
Info/Tickets: https://www.voicesfoundrep.com