NEW YORK—Bloody, violent, and absolutely riveting, Edward the Second as produced by Red Bull Theater is a stellar production of Christopher Marlowe's 16th century work."
Upon the King of England's death, his son Edward II (Marc Vietor), heir to the throne, summons Gaveston (Kenajuan Bentley) home from exile. Gaveston was banished by Edward's father for his hedonistic ways and for having a too-powerful influence upon his son. The peers of England, led by Mortimer, (Matthew Rauch), see only disaster in Gaveston's return. A fear quickly proven true when Galveston's presence causes Edward to ignore his royal duties and act more like a foppish schoolboy than the ruler of a nation. As the peers declare themselves in revolt against the crown, forced to pick sides is Kent, the King's younger brother (Lucas Hall) and Edward's neglected wife Isabella (Claire Lautier). There's also an obvious sexual heat between Mortimer and Isabella—one never spoken of, until now.
Marlowe has crafted an involving tale of forbidden passion and love, where two sets of people, all of different social strata, fail to realize that their stations and duties prohibit what can be accepted, tolerated, or simply ignored in the rest of society. This "blindness by lust" leads to war, death, a young child forced to grow up too fast, and the very questionable future of a kingdom.
Nicely adapted by Garland Wright, the production, while clearly set in Marlowe's time, employs some late 19th and early 20th century props to give the story a timeless quality. There's also an interesting point (made via a speech by Isabella) about media manipulation and getting the people on one's side in this conflict.
Vietor is appealing as the desperate Edward, a good man who makes the mistake of putting his own needs and desires ahead of his regal responsibilities. Rauch works well as the calculating but passionate Mortimer, his tone and aura reminding one of John Malkovich. Lautier is nicely regal as Isabella, effortlessly switching from longing wife to seductress to vengeful woman (although her French accent slips a few times). Bentley is perfect as the roguish Gaveston, nicely balancing a desire to renew his close ties with the King and his thirst for vengeance against those who would destroy him.
Direction by Jesse Berger is strong and the set by John Arnone works well, as does the lighting by Peter West and sound design by Chris Peifer and Scott Killian (and all the original music and sound was created by Scott Killian). Clint Ramos' costumes are very enjoyable, particularly the various outfits Isabella wears.
Also in the cast are Arthur Bartow, Raum-Aron, Randy Harrison, Davis Hall, Joseph Costa, Raphael Nash Thompson, Rob Breckenridge, Wesley Broulik, William DeMeritt, Garth Wells McCardle, Derrick LeMont Sanders, and Patrick Vaill.
Edward the Second
Presented by Red Bull Theater
Peter Jay Sharp Theater
416 West 42nd Street
Tickets: 212-279-4200
Closes: Jan. 27, 2008
Running Time: Approximately Two Hours, 30 Minutes
Judd Hollander is the New York Correspondent for the London publication The Stage.
Feeds