So let me preface this by saying that I love Shakespeare and was honestly somewhat excited to see The Merchant of Venice at the Bank of America Theatre (as much as I dislike the layout of the theatre itself). So as a part of the Spring season tickets we got to go see this show. Well things come up and my comrades in arms had other commitments and couldn't join me at this performance. This left me with two extra tickets, which come to find out was nothing special as there were plenty of people trying to give away tickets before the show. Hint Number one. So after attempting to find people to come along, I found no one so decided that I would enjoy this show alone. Hint number two. Well chalk it up to new experiences but I did go alone and sprawled out over the three seats we had tickets for. What I soon realized was that there were plenty of open seats throughout the theatre. Hint Number three.
At this point I should get to the show. As much as I stand by most shows that I see saying that it may be a director's choice or just a bad night, I cant say much of that for this show. There was just a lot that I took issue with this particular performance. The whole concept of this production is that it is bringing Shakespeare to new audiences. Well the problem is, with a modern set comes an expectation of modern language. This did not hold true. The actors stuck to the original script while acting in a modern time. This was confusing for me and I had read this play in Shakespeare class. Another rough part of this show was just plain hearing and understanding what was said. There were a lot of problems with diction and clarity of words that left a lot of the script unclear and not audible. Another problem I had was just some true awkwardness in the staging. There were some awkward points in the blocking and there was a truly emotional moment that was ruined by an awkward passionate kiss between Antonio and Bassanio. It was truly quite awkward.
Now to the acting. Much of the cast was too one note for me to enjoy. The lovers were all on a single note and their portrayal of those characters was nothing dynamic. Each of them left a lot to be desired and a lot of questions to be cleared up. In all the advertisements that I had seen before this show, they all seemed to say Merchant of Venice WITH F. Murray Abraham. This was the truth. His portrayal of Shylock was quite wonderful and left you truly heart broken for him at times and clearly despising him at others. One other seemingly small character of Balthazar added some fantastic points of humor without many lines but he was another glimmer of hope in this production. As much as her portrayal of Portia suffered, she did not (Thank God) miss the "Quality of mercy is not Strained" speech. It was delivered spot on and was truly moving.
Unfortunately I felt a little bit like I paid to sit and be bored. The set and design was interesting, I admit but the acting and vocal work left a lot to be desired. This traveling show plays Chicago until March 27. If you don't trust me, Go see it yourself, but don't blame me if you hate it
Rating: 3/10
Theatremandan
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