Speaking of definitive presentations, the character of Jacques gets an interpretation you won’t forget by David Birney, a familiar face from film and TV who has had extensive experience doing Shakespeare. Jacques is the archetypal philosophical depressive, who admits, somewhat proudly, “I can suck melancholy out of a song, as a weasel sucks eggs.” His most familiar monologue begins: “All the world’s a stage/And all the men and women merely players.” Birney does subtle wonders with that speech, bemused throughout and acting out each role (“then the lover/Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad/Made to his mistress’ eyebrow”) with appropriate voice and mannerisms.
Director Meltzer has fine-tuned this production, from pace to presentations. At the beginning, Oliver realistically throttling Orlando sets the reality-grounded tone. Also helping are the simple set design by Mary Myers, costume design by Jocelyn Melechinsky, lighting design by Brian Aldous, and the unobtrusive but mood-enhancing background score by Flav Martin.
Admission is technically free, but a $10 donation is requested — and needed: there was no show last summer. This wonderful and memorable production is cheap at twice the price.
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