[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of J-P Theater Productions’ Othello at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre.
“Men in rage strike those that wish them best.”
This is just one of the many grim pearls of wisdom an audience to Othello might capture as they behold this masterwork fable of ill-fated love and hand-wringing deceit. Truly it is a pleasure to see the Bard’s words come to life here, in the NoHo Arts District — and it’s all due to the abundant passion and commitment of the fine folks at J-P Theater Productions.
For those of you less versed in Shakespeare than you might like, the narrative of Othello revolves around the vengeful plot of a bitter soldier, Iago, as he attempts to manipulate upstanding General Othello into believing his new wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful to him. It’s a Shakespeare classic for a reason, and contains all the bloodshed, speechcraft, tragedy and knavery you’d expect to see from the world’s most famous playwright.
The titular Othello is one of the most sought-after roles in the history of theater. It’s been manifested by a host of outstanding actors, from Laurence Fishburne to Anthony Hopkins. Those are some big shoes to fill, but this intrepid black box production has found a performer who’s up to the challenge. He goes by the mysterious moniker of ‘The Moor of Venice’ — a humble stage name that does little to prepare the audience for his total control of the stage. The Moor of Venice captivates with his powerful presence, strong performance, and unexpectedly dynamic physicality.
But Othello’s exploits would not make the stuff of story without his treacherous advisor, Iago, played by the exceptional Ari Litman-Weinberg (understudied by Michael Peters on the 19th of May). As the perspective character with whom we spend the most time, it’s important that Iago captures the audience right from the get. Litman-Weinberg instantly delights with his masterful control of language, which is no mean feat when we consider the looping soliloquies conjured up by Shakespeare. It’s a true pleasure to watch Iago chart out his devious machinations, and Litman-Weinberg does such a good job of holding us on the edge of our seat as they unfold.
It’s all the more impressive, since this is Litman-Weinberg’s directorial debut. Alongside Co-Director Michael Peters, Litman-Weinberg crafts a vision of Othello that is filled with high drama and double knavery. He’d no doubt buck at these words of praise, since he remains steadfast that “it takes a village,” and in the short time I had to speak with him after the show, was effusive in his thanks for the all-star team who helped make this production a success.
There’s the fair and wholesome Desdemona, played by Christine Viviers, who brings forth a performance that is both honest and emotionally charged. There’s the strapping Cassio, played by Aditya Putcha (the P in J-P Theater Productions) whose earnest portrayal of the character is enough to sway hearts across the gallery. Amberlee Clark elevates the entire third act by infusing an already thrilling climax with her raw and striking confession as Emilia. And Brendan Getches charms with his unexpected comic energy as the woefully unaware Rodrigo.
But the cast alone does not a play make, and the crew is worthy of high praise for their invaluable contribution to this excellent show. Choreographer Emily Gargulio composes a festival of physicality, with fight sequences that engage and excite — while Tech Manager David Dickens lulls the audience into the world of the play with effective lighting and sound cues that further immerse your already captive senses.
There are so many good things to say about Othello, but this theatrical achievement is made bittersweet by the untimely passing of Stephen Juhl, the original director of the production. Praised at the beginning of the show by a caring and thoughtful tribute, Stephen was clearly a near and dear presence to all involved. You can’t help but smile to think of Stephen watching along as his friends and fellows put together an amazing show in his wake — and it’s hard to imagine he would be anything but proud of the beautiful rendition they ended up with.
Tickets:
https://jptheatreproductions.ludus.com/index.php
When:
May 17–19
Where:
Whitmore-Lindley Theater
11006 Magnolia Blvd., NoHo Arts District, CA 91601