PUPPET TITUS ANDRONICUS
Off-Broadway at The Beckett Theatre
Everyone loves a puppet. Well, maybe not everybody, but even if you have your doubts, I would tell you to put them on the back burner and give this show a chance. Puppets have been making a name for themselves both On and Off Broadway. First the Tony award winning Avenue Q, now running Off-Broadway for over 10 years, and then Hand to God, which won last years Lucille Lortel Award. And now we have Puppet Titus Andronicus.
Titus Andronicus is a lesser known Shakespeare tragedy. It was much disliked because of the violent, gruesome, and bloody content. Ironically, Ryan Rinkel, A.J. Coté and Shane Snider, directors/actors/puppet masters turn this tragedy into a comedy with use of the puppets of course, and a whole new twist on this horrific tale of murder, deceit and revenge. When Titus sacrifices his own hand, for instance, he is later adorning his stump with everyday kitchen appliances. There is genius use of props and silly string and some modern day humor added for good measure. The puppets range from pint size to full large man size, and some are even operated by two people. The youthful puppeteer cast are obviously well seasoned and perform with ease. There is audience interaction during the show as well as at intermission and it’s a lot of fun. The role of Titus is performed exceptionally by Adam Weppler, as is Queen Tamora by Sarah Villegas. Both roles are played in human form, and might I add, very easy on the eyes human form. Shakespeare is a challenge for the most experienced of actors, and this young and refreshing cast really pull it off.
The set is also a very impressive Roman Empire setting with columns abound. I’ve seen some full scale Broadway productions that pale in comparison.
As I would recommend before seeing any Shakespeare, it's a good idea to do a little research and read over the synopsis before you go. There are alot of characters in this one. Some of the characters are human and some are puppet. A little primer will go a long way to making this an all the more enjoyable theatrical experience.
You can wait on line for three hours for Shakespeare in the Park, or you can click here right now
and see Shakespeare at the Beckett Theatre. This show is a limited run through 8/16 only, so get on your chariot and get to Theatre Row. –thisbroadsway 07/28/14