Shakespeare in Love

What has a dog, a leading lady dressed as a man, men dressed as women, women acting as men, sword fighting, leather pants, sexual liaisons, low-cut dresses (on women and men), Queen Elizabeth 1 and is a hilariously funny play?
The Omaha Community Theater has the answer with its newest production of Shakespeare in Love.   No, this was not a play William Shakespeare wrote, but a play about the playwright.
Did William Shakespeare ever experience writer’s block?    With the immense number of his plays recognized today, it almost seems unlikely.  Being human, though he likely was always searching and modifying ideas to become a play.   Remember, over four hundred years ago, plays in England were hand written with only one complete hand written copy. Each actor’s script only consisted of their lines.
Shakespeare in Love opens with a young Shakespeare (Jacob Roman) being encouraged to write with a welcoming crowd awaiting his every word.   During this time period, Queen Elizabeth adored plays.   An already established playwright, Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (Jeremy Earl) encourages Shakespeare with the struggles of writing.
In Shakespeare’s time, women were not allowed to perform in theaters.   That was illegal.   All the female parts were usually played by young men having little facial hair.
The business of a theater is extremely competitive and seems to be on the verge of being closed by the government.
Being Shakespeare, naturally, an unattainable female, Viola de Lesseps (Alissa Hanish) catches his eye and immediately distracts him with her beauty.   Um....does fiction imitate life?
Viola is also fascinated by Shakespeare and looks for an opportunity to be close to him.  Her solution is simply to dress as a man and audition for the role of Romeo creating hilarious comedy.
The leading roles of William Shakespeare (Jacob Roman) and Viola (Alissa Hanish) are phenomenal. These talented individuals created characters who were confident and even lovable in their roles. This is a show where every performer is outstanding.  Certain roles are notable such as ChristoperMarlower (Jeremy Earl), Queen Elizabeth (Janet Macklin), Lord Wessex (Sydney Readman), Sam (Will Rodgers), John Webster (Chloe Irwin) and unquestionably Nurse (Julie Fitzgerald Ryan).   Yes, the Nurse is absolutely delightful.  Also on stage are many multi-talented ensemble members Bradley Alexander, Kevin Barrett, Craig Bond, Ron Boschult, Jenna Hager, Olivia Howard,  Sean Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Michael Leaman, Caitlin Mabon, Alex Nilius, Pamela Scott, Danielle Smith, Dennis Stessman, and Catherine Vazquez.
An unusual actor throughout the production is the singer and music director (Zach
 Kloppenborg).  His countertenor songs are hypnotic while singing in his delightful falsetto voice as well as his expert direction with the madrigal and various music backgrounds.   The madrigals were light, comical and expertly performed complete with beautiful and precise voices.
The scenic design is marvelous with the set movements moving quickly while being maneuvered by those on stage.
The costumes are beautifully elegant and true to the time period.
No production can be successful without the support of the crew and volunteers.
Directing the show is Jeff Horner, who is phenomenal with his contributions to the show while also being the owner and trainer of Apollo, his dog who is also cast in the show.  Unfortunately, Apollo does not always appreciate how much the cast assisted his show contribution.   Assisting him is Suzanne Withem.
Courtney Stein creates time appropriate choreography.   Erik Diaz is the scenic designer while Wesley Houston is the stage manager.   John Gibilisco is the resident sound designer and production electrician with Aja Jackson is the lighting designer.  Darin Koehler is in charge of properties and Lindsay Pape is the costume designer. Also assisting are numerous crew members, interns, as well as Playhouse volunteers and staff.
All of us need a little sunshine in our lives with the weather lately, Shakespeare in Love is guaranteed to lift your spirits while awaiting a spring that seems as if it will never arrive.
Act One consists of 13 scenes in ninety minutes.  Act Two is shorter after the fifteen minute intermission.
Shakespeare in Love continues through May 6th on Wednesday’s through Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2pm.
The cost of the tickets is $24 for adults and for students at $24 on Wednesday performances and starting at $32 for adults and $22 for students on Thursdays through Sundays.   Tickets can be purchased at the Omaha Playhouse Box Office, online at OmahaPlayhouse.com or by calling (402) 553-0800.  The Playhouse is located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha.
Granted, I was a little skeptical about a play based on an Academy Award winning movie.  While I did enjoy the movie, I adored this performance greatly enhancing the story.