Two takes of the Bard under starry nights: Irresistible

By LISA MILLEGAN
BEE ARTS WRITER
June 28, 2004

MURPHYS -- There is no lovelier spot for theater in this area than Stevenot Winery. Nestled amid rolling hills and vineyards and surrounded by oak trees and sweet-smelling ponderosa pines, the secluded outdoor amphitheater (Cornelia B. Stevenot Performing Arts Center) is enveloped in natural beauty.

Murphys Creek Theatre has kicked off its 10th anniversary season there with productions of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." "Midsummer," set in the summer of love era, is a fun romp with an Austin Powers feel that should attract those who are normally intimidated by the Bard. "Verona," set in the post-Civil War South, is less entertaining because of a dubious decision to stage it more as a drama than the comedy it is and because it's simply not one of Shakespeare's better works. But it is still a polished production with some fine acting.

The shows, both directed by Graham Scott Green, are running in  alternation with many of the same cast members through the end of next month. 

In "Midsummer," long-haired bikers, flower children, martini-wielding Rat Packer wanna-bes and potheads play the mischievous fairies and mortals who cross paths in a forest. The four young lovers gave strong performances on opening night Thursday. Miniskirted spitfire Kristen Mager was a crowd favorite as hapless Helena and Todd Thomas was a suave hipster as Demetrius, the object of her affection. Misty Day's innocent Hermia and Jeremy Forbing's more worldly Lysander made an excellent pair.

Other cast members occasionally struggled with their lines and appeared less comfortable with the poetic text. 

The 1860s setting for "Verona" doesn't enhance the play other than to give the women excuses to wear beautiful period gowns. The plot follows best friends Proteus (Forbing) and Valentine (Thomas) as they move from their rural home to the big city. When both fall for the lovely Silvia (Mager), Proteus quickly decides to betray both Valentine and his hometown girlfriend Julia (Tara Kayton) so he can get her for himself.

Green, the director, unwisely has the actors play everything straight rather than giving the story the ridiculous treatment it deserves. While many people hate the traditional ending in which Proteus reunites with Julia, Green doesn't improve the situation by having Proteus end up alone. It makes the play too heavy.

Still, once again the young leads did a marvelous job Saturday night given the limitations they had to work with. The show ran more smoothly than "Midsummer." Thomas gave Valentine an appropriate noble quality and Forbing injected passion into Proteus. Mager again delivered one of the most dynamic performances of the evening as sharp-tongued Silvia. Kayton's Julia was a charming, sympathetic figure.

Davey Wagner and Tom Vannucci provided comic relief as the two gentlemen's servants, and border collie/Australian shepherd Ayla made a respectable stage debut in her minor role as the dog Crab, barking and wagging her tail on command.

Though the shows aren't flawless, the stunning scenery more than makes up for the missteps. Just remember to bring jackets, because the evenings are chilly, and be sure to pack some bug spray.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.

'Two Gentlemen of Verona' 
Rating: ** ½

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Rating: ***
**** Excellent; *** Good; ** Fair; * Poor