Richard III by William Shakespeare

"Now is the winter of our discontent..."

"Richard III," a historical tragedy by William Shakespeare, unfolds against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, delving into the Machiavellian machinations of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. With a hunchback and a twisted soul, Richard manipulates, schemes, and murders his way to the English throne, leaving a trail of deceit and betrayal in his wake.

The play explores themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desire as Richard's tyrannical rise to power leads to a web of political turmoil and personal tragedy. Through the compelling narrative, Shakespeare paints a chilling portrait of a villainous protagonist whose actions shape the destiny of a nation, leaving audiences both fascinated and repelled by the dark depths of human nature.

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Supported by Mass Cultural Council

Roundabout Productions is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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RICHARD III
Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Roundabout Production's first show of their 2024 summer season is "Richard III" by William Shakespeare. Richard III is an historical play by Shakespeare written in 1592 and is his second longest play after Hamlet.

It depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and the subsequent short reign of Richard III of England from 1483 to 85. He had a glamour of evil about himself that led him to do unspeakable harm to others including women and children that happened to get his way. Richard would convince people to do his bidding. After a long civil war, peace came to the country under Edward IV but Richard was jealous and determined to become king with his nefarious ways. Before having them killed offed, he'd flatter and woo them as well as manipulate and connive people to attain his nefarious goal of becoming the King. Sounds like familiar behavior of current day political events spiraling out of control.

Lori Beck is the director for this splendid Shakespearian tale of a man who would do anything to attain power while stepping on people and having them disposed of in any underhanded manner possible. She makes the show energetic with 19 performers and some playing multiple roles. They make it more understandable for current day audiences with the rise of similar rulers around the world abusing their power with no regard for other people's lives. Richard III was the last King of his lineage at the end of the War of Roses when the Tudor's ascended to the throne and who were in power when Shakespeare wrote this show. Lori has a keen eye into this show and the Shakespearean world of the past and obtains strong performances from her performers.

Commanding the stage as the egotistical and maniacal Ricard III is Francis Sheehan. He oozes venom as this despicable man. He flatters the person and then betrays them the minute they leave his presence. Richard's body count seems endless including his brothers, his cousin, his wife, his nephews and so on. Francis delivers his lines flawlessly. I last reviewed him as Tyler Moss in "Crossing Delancey" back in 2020.

The other performers are strong in their roles, too. His right-hand man and cousin, Buckingham is excellently played by Mark Prokes. His authoritative voice and bearing fits the part perfectly. Mark shines in this role of willing follower who once he betrays Richard is punished severely for his misdeeds. I first reviewed him as Sam, the pickle man in "Crossing Delancey" in 2020. The assorted women Richard III abuses along the way include his very own mother, Duchess of York, his wife, Lady Anne and his dead brother Edward IV's wife Queen Elizabeth.

Kim Alessandro delivers a multilayered performance as his mother who curses him at his causing the death of her two sons and her two grandchildren. She shines in this role. Amanda Wade is also strong as Lady Anne who at first berates him for her first husband's death but eventually falls under his evil spell.

Liz Parent delivers the goods as Elizabeth who is very upset at the death of her husband Edward IV and her two children. Her one on one scene with Francis has to be seen to be believed. These three women run the gamut of emotions in their roles. Another scene stealer is Barbara Schapiro as Queen Maragaret who hurls curses and insults at Richard. She runs roughshod over him. It is wondrous to behold.Richard starts off the show after all the battles that have taken place all these years with his winter of discontent line into a glorious summer due to his brother Edward IV bringing peace to England at last. Mark Carter plays this role to the hilt and becomes Richard's first of many victims along the way. Richard's cruelty tugs your heartstrings when Clarence, his other brother pleads for his life as well as the scene with his two nephews who he has murdered to obtain the throne. Alan Stavris plays the hapless, Clarence while Kevin Brynczka plays the doomed Prince Edward.

Graysen Mortimer does a terrific job as Lord Hastings who also agrees with Richard's agenda until he disagrees about killing the nephews and finds his head chopped off for it. Kyle W. Porter plays the heroic Richmond who finally defeats Richard after "His Kingdom for a horse" speech. He becomes Henry VII after disposing the vile and horrible Richard III. Kudos to all the cast on their hard work on the Shakespearean show. So, for a look back at this cautionary tale that could be ripped out of current day headlines about those in power abusing their authority although some not as severe as Richard did, be sure to catch "Richard III" at Roundabout Productions to witness good acting and strong direction.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Robert J Coelho Middle School, 99 Brown Street, Attleboro, United States