The New York Shakespeare Exchange (NYSX) has mounted a glossy production of Shakespeare's The Life and Death of King John and it's definitely worth seeing. This rarely produced history play is at the Access Theatre (380 Broadway) and tickets are available online via Brown Paper Tickets or at 800-838-3006.
This modern production is directed by Ross Williams who also founded NYSX in 2009. G. Warren Stiles has furnished the set as if it were a posh pad in Soho, complete with a CB2/IKEA look. Keeping with modern sensibility, the action is added to with slick media and videos by Charles Q. Drexler. The fight choreographer is Alicia Rodis. The action is a fast, intriguing, and suspenseful political drama.
The very deft cast is Vince Gatton as King John, Elizabeth Neptune as Chatillion, Carmen Meyers as Queen Eleanor and mother to King John, Zac Hoogendyk as Earl of Salisbury, Chris Bresky as Philip Faulconbridge, the Bastard, Philip Mutz as Robert Faulconbridge, Joshua Jeffers as Lewis the Dauphin, JC Vasquez as Arthur I, Chris Thorn as King of France, Leigh Willliams as Constance and mother to Arthur, Katelin Wilcox as Prophet of Pomfret, Christopher Michael McFarland as Hubert de Burgh, Gabe Green as Prince Henry and Kevin Brewer as Cardinal Pandulph. It's a very physical and polished production, including fight scenes which include the entire cast.
There are only five more performances of this fantastic Shakespearean drama. This company and production are so good, it will make you wonder why it's not a more often seen play.
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