Richard III: It’s Not Easy Being King

Counter-Productions Theatre Company is presenting a haunting version of William Shakespeare’s Richard III at the AS220 Black Box Theatre in Providence. The show opened on May 8 and runs through May 17.

Michael Puppi is always mesmerizing to watch as Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, who embarks on a murderous quest for power. Wily and scheming, Richard outmaneuvers his rivals and gains the loyalty of a handful of trusted confidantes, including the Duke of Buckingham (Geoff Leatham), Sir William Catesby (R. Bobby), and Sir James Tyrrell (Kevin Broccoli). Spoiler alert! Richard does achieve his goal of becoming king. But it comes at a terrible price. The destruction he has wrought on other people’s lives becomes a dark shadow, always threatening to destroy him.

Director Terry Shea has drawn fine performances from the cast, which includes Ted Clement as the doomed George, Duke of Clarence, Paige Berry as Lady Anne, Valerie Remillard Myette as Queen Elizabeth, Adam Florio as King Edward IV, Becky Minard as Duchess of York, and Jonathan Fisher as Henry, Earl of Richmond. Shea also appears as Lord Hastings, who is one of Richard’s closest advisors.

What makes Shakespeare’s works so effective is their depiction of human frailties. Greed, pride and self-doubt all afflict Richard III and make him into a tortured protagonist.

Puppi reminded me a lot of Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood in “House of Cards.” His wry vocal intonations are amusing as he plots to destroy those who stand in his way.  Richard is an evil man, but he delights in his nastiness. He is also vulnerable and plagued by self-doubt as his minions gradually lose their faith in him.

Black and white videos of Richard and other characters are projected on a mirror in the background. The videos, along with the sound effects, create an unsettling atmosphere. And Shea’s staging of the violent climax is also effective and even terrifying.

This version of Richard III is a must-see for any Shakespeare afficionado.

Richard III runs through May 17 at AS220 Black Box Theatre, 95 Empire St. Providence. cptcri.com