Theater Review: THE MALCONTENT (Antaeus Theatre Company)

A CRITIC WHO RHYMES? IT’S A SIGN OF GOOD TIMES.

I tell you, there’s no place that I’d rather be in, than a theatre where actors become Jacobean.

A classical company, Antaeus by name, has created a show that begs nationwide fame.

Penned by John Marston in 1604, The Malcontent proves to be all but a bore. Lewd and satirical and funny as hell, the portrayals are witty and the proceedings are swell.

You get courtiers, courtesans, cuckolds and dukes; corruption, disguises, usurpers and spooks. A dispossessed man is our hero chameleon — he outsmarts a man who is most Machiavellian. Though the antics on stage seem to be just for sport, the playwright was mocking the old English Court.

Forget history and meaning within Marston’s play – attend for the acting and sharp repartee. Let the scholars discuss why the play’s rarely done — the language inspired me to rhyme and have fun.

Who cares if the script is merely a trifle? The astounding design team gives more than an eyeful.

The set of Tom Buderwitz should be the new rage – like the Blackfriars of olde, he has seats on the stage.

Hammer (Andrew) and Hassell (Annette) should receive an award just for painting the set.

A. Jeffrey Schoenberg! Those costumes divine! With such perfect detail you’ll wish they were thine. Jerkins and gowns made of stunning gold braid; there’s embroidery, doublets and ruffs on parade.

Just in case you were thinking it’s too good to last, Antaeus ensured that the show’s double-cast. With insightful direction by Elizabeth Swain, you may have to see it again and again.

The Malcontent (Wittols Cast)
ends on June 19, 2011
for tickets, call 818.506.1983 or visit Antaeus

JD Cullum. (Geoffrey Wade)