Review of Marin Shakespeare Company’s Julius Ceasar by Dave Fickbohm

Dave Fickbohm lives in Marin County and regularly reviews live theater productions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact Dave Fickbohm at davefickbohm@gmail.com

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a play that compels the audience to concentrate and take notice. This is not a play where you daydream. No, this is a play where Shakespeare’s language is clear, precise, and very deadly, telling its audience to beware of all men who have power and will not relinquish it. Especially be aware of those who seek to take power through violence, above all be aware of those who do so in the name of freedom and liberty; without telling you it’s a freedom and liberty born out of jealousy, envy, and class.

If that basic premise of Shakespeare’s beautifully written play can be achieved clearly and precisely, in this perilous first decade of the 21st century, then the job is half done. If it can also be done with style, and a terrifying sense of truth born out of superb acting, then you have a memorable and historical piece of theatre on your hands and Robert Currier’s production at the Dominican’s Forest Meadows Amphitheatre is exactly that.

When Jack Powell’s Cassius, and Jay Karnes’s Marcus Brutus, take to the stage, they firmly take control of Shakespeare’s words, and clear intentions, you just know this will be a show to remember, for the simple reason that you are completely taken over by the characters these two gifted actors quietly create.  Unfortunately this quietude slowly, bloodily, and with terrifying emotion, crumbles away to nothing. 

Barry Kraft’s Julius Caesar appears and we see a man who is unsure of himself and a man who has to be reminded of his achievements. What we don’t see is the usual bumbling fool that has often been betrayed in the past, and a bumbling fool that no one cares about or is going to miss. Kraft gives us a Julius Caesar who has had to fight for his position. Who has had to be vicious to hold onto it, yet is still swayed by those who consider themselves better informed, and of a higher social background, than he. Kraft’s Caesar is doomed; you can see it in his eyes and on his face, and in the jokey asides and hand gestures. This Julius Caesar is a masterpiece.

Mark Antony is the glamour in Julius Caesar, the survivor. He is also a great politician and orator although he denies it.  Antony is a man who knows himself well. This Mark Antony knows how power can be achieved without getting your hands dirty. William Elsman’s Mark Antony knows how to be above it all. Elsman understands all of that, and knows how to show us that he knows it. His Mark Antony is a brilliant, carefully constructed piece of art and craft that works at every level. Mark Antony’s ‘honorable man’ speech was well paced, well balanced and meaningful. It was a delight to get some clear understanding of Mark Anthony’s intention here, whereas before most other actors seemed to be happy to leave the irony out. Here Elsman pours it on.

There is not a single sour note in this show, with brilliant performances by everyone, not least Cat Thompson’s Portia, Alexandra Matthew’s Calphurnia, Stephen Klum’s Casca, Lucas McClure’s Cinna and Young Josh Zwick’s Lucius. This young man has a wonderful presence on stage.

Mention must also go to lighting designer, Ellen Brooks, and sound desginer Billie Cox  their storms were wonderful.  This production, like the others this season, has once again shown that Marin Shakespeare Company can get things right, very right. Go see it.

SINGLE TICKETS at the door $30 General, $25 Senior, $15 Youth

 SINGLE TICKETS in advance online, by phone or mail $27.50 General, $22.50 Senior, $15 Youth

 SEASON TICKETS $60 General $50 Senior $30 Youth See all three plays for the price of two. Admission to any performance of each play. (Your best deal: $20 General, $16.67 Senior, $10 Youth) BARD PASS Eight tickets for $176 Eight tickets good for any performance, any show, all summer long. (Maximum flexibility; great low price of just $22 per ticket.)

Julius Ceasar in Rotational Repertory with Twelfth Night August 21 – September 27

Directed by Robert Currier

For information:

• Management (415) 499-4485 Education (415) 499-4487 Box Office (415) 499-4488 Fax (415) 499-1492
• Mail Address: Marin Shakespeare Company P.O. Box 4053 San Rafael, CA 94913
• www.Marinshakespeare.org