Michael Girts (Will Shakespeare) and Rachel Kaiulani Kennealy (Viola) star in Shakespeare in Love at Novato Theater Company.
Novato Theater Company presents Shakespeare in Love now through June 11. Don’t miss this amusing and enjoyable production of the Academy Award winning screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard (adapted by Lee Hall). The Elizabethan world of William Shakespeare is brought to life thanks to Nic Moore’s and Gillian Eichenberger’s fine direction, an extraordinary cast and a talented production team.
The plot revolves around William Shakespeare (Michael Girts) and Viola De Lesseps (Rachel Kaiulani Kennealy), an aristocratic young woman who yearns to act in Shakespeare’s plays. Viola becomes Will’s inspiration and his muse as he struggles to write Romeo and Juliet. With additional support from his good friend Kit Marlowe (Michel Benton Harris) and many other characters, Will conquers his writer’s block, falls in love and produces a masterpiece.
Girts, Kennealy and Harris are exceptional in the main roles. The supporting cast is equally brilliant. Michele Sanner is commanding as Queen Elizabeth I, one of Will’s greatest benefactors. Glenn Havlan cleverly plays Hugh Fennyman, the “money man” behind Will’s plays at the Rose Theater owned by Philip Henslowe (David Noll). Arup Chakrabarti is spirited and funny as Ned Alleyn, the arrogant actor/manager of the Rose and Tomás Fiero gives an intense performance as Richard Burgage, the actor/owner of the rival Curtain Theater. Supporting performances that stand out include Paul Gusciora as Edmund Tilney, Thomas Peterson as Lord Wessex and Kim Bromley as the Nurse.
Jody Branham’s amazing Elizabethan costumes add much to the show. Branham goes all out in her design using colorful, rich fabrics like velvet, fur and satin along with ruffled neck collars, jewels, feathers and leather to dress the characters from head to toe.
Special thanks to Marilyn Izdebski (Producer) for co-sponsoring this play with Merri Martori.
Co-written by Lori Wood
