The Merchant of Venice: Studio 58 Gets It Right

The Panel
*Shane Birley* is a nerd and guy who likes to write about the arts
*Marta Baranowska* is a very cool person who likes the arts.

The Play: _The Merchant of Venice_. Boy wants girl, gets a loan from an evil guy, then his fortunes sink after that.  He is almost forced to give up his flesh Lawyers get involved and he prevails and people die.

*Marta:* First off I must congratulate Studio 58 and Antony Holland on a lovely evening. Antony Holland even baked for the occasion, or pretended he did. I personally didn't try one of his cookies, however I'm sure they were delightful, as was the concept of "Free-Fall Shakespeare"". For those unfamiliar with Free-Fall Shakespeare, I shall now explain. Each night the audience gets to help pick the cast. Two actors are rehearsed in each role and every night it's a toss up as to which one will perform. Adapting the idea of the three boxes - gold, silver, and lead - from the play itself, members of the Merchant of Venice cast and crew came out and selected audience members at random to pick one of the two boxes (I know in the play there are three boxes, however as previously mentioned two actors are rehearsed in each role so three boxes wouldn't quite work). In each box was a name and the actor corresponding to the name selected would play his or her role for the evening while the "losing" actor would go home. It's nice concept and it keeps things interesting because the cast is never exactly the same. Here is the cast list as we knew it:

Antony Holland - Shylock Aaron Adams - Servants (including Balthasar) Raed Calvert - Lorenzo Evelyn Chew - Old Gobbo Danny Coleman - Bassanio Susan Coodin - Launcelot Alisha Davidson - Salerio Melissa Dionisio - Portia Genevieve Flemming - Jessica Gui Fontanezzi - Antonio Marlene Ginader - Prince of Aragon Joel Grinke - Gratiano Namrita Hayer - Tubal Jarrett Knowles - Duke of Venice Luc Roderique - Prince of Morocco Emily Rowed - Solanio Ella Simon - Nerissa

Marta: Shall we Shane?

*Shane:* We shall.  I first must address the flushing toilet problem of the Studio 58 theatre.  I had been in this theatre a number of times before and I had never noticed the issue.  Part way through the play, a bathroom toilet flushed followed by the running water of what, I assume, was the flusher washing their hands.  I was terribly distracted by this event since the noise from the overhead pipes was practically over our heads.  I think something should be done about that and, perhaps, a thrust stage in that configuration is potentially a problem.  I thought this worth mentioning since it was quite loud and overpowered some of the dialogue. Anyway, enough of that, since it really has nothing to do with the play but did interfere with my enjoyment of it.

Marta: Huh. Interesting point. I had forgotten about that. It was strange and I probably missed an entire scene because of it, but such is life and so we move on. I must admit, when I was first approached to write this review I wasn't all too sure about the Merchant of Venice. I had a vague idea but I am not a theatre baby, though I do enjoy it. Originally, I worried I may be discouraged because Shakespeare has a tendency to run on, but Antony Holland shortened the script in such a way that it was easy to follow, but also pushed forward, highlighting only the most important and exciting moments. Who was your favourite actor of the night, Shane?

Shane: I think I will have to go with Antony Holland as Shylock.  He has done this role on several occasions throughout his life and it was interesting to watch him play it now.  I took a moment to read what was written about him in the lobby during the intermission and he knows this role inside and out. His performance was much more natural than the others but, in my opinion, he has far more experience than the younger actors and it showed.  Since the majority of the actors are students, I can let experience slide.  Also, artistic choices can also have an impact.  The actors and the director can choose to portray the script in certain ways (traditional vs. modern) and Holland did mention he wanted this performance to be a hybrid of the two. I must also point out that none of the actors fell asleep while waiting their turns.

*Marta:* I agree with you that Holland was incredible as Shylock, but I have to stick up for the students here. Some of them were amazing and had me believing their character right up until the final scene. A particular student that stands out in my mind is Danny Coleman. Not only is he good looking, but he is charming and charasmatic: vital characteristics that the character of Bassanio must possess. His dedication to the role was apparent in every detail. The scene where Gratiano is trying to explain to Nerissa why he gave away his ring after he promised he never would is perfect. When Portia backs up Nerissa saying that Bassanio would never do such a thing, Coleman covers up his hand and keeps it hidden in an attempt to not get busted. What I found especially endearing though, is how excited Danny was to perform that night. When Shane and I selected the box that contained his name in it, his eyes literally lit up. And needless to say, Joel Grinke and Ella Simon were delightful as Gratiano and Nerissa. They make the perfect awkward and humourous couple.

Shane: I am not taking anything away from the performance nor the students.  My whole point is, each of the actors have a lot to learn but, obviously, each will become so much more.  Their teacher's quality is evidence of that.  I suppose it is a fancy way to saying: "You did good, kid. Now, try it again but do it better. Can't wait to see what you do next." As a matter of fact, the performances were very, very good.  If I were to point out specific actors, and I will, I would say my favourites were Ella Simon as Nerissa and Susan Coodin as Launcelot.  They played their roles nicely and with a subtle charm (with exception to Coodin's explosive wonderfulness) where I did find myself drawn into the characters they were playing. You also pointed out the actors enthusiasm.  This was hallmark of this production.

Marta: The enthusiasm on the actors' part was genuine and so refreshing to see. It made the night, and the performance, all the more special. I also have to mention Evelyn Chew. Portraying a mostly blind, old man is not an easy thing to do, especially when you are neither of those things. Her performance was hilarious and pretty much perfect. Oh, and Shane, we can't forget to mention Genevieve Flemming. Once again, and this is no surprise, she delivers a stunning performance portraying Jessica, daughter of Shylock. Her final scene, coincidentally the play's final scene, is heart-breaking. She has all the money in the world and the love of her life, but her father has been outcast, stripped of everything that made him who he was, and then he dies. Tragic. Other memorable moments include: Marlene Ginader choosing one of the three boxes. Laugh out loud funny and so brilliantly over the top. It just worked. Aaron Adams and the infamous line: "Madam, I go with all convenient speed". Then he exits, in super, slow motion. Great comedic relief.

Shane: I am sure that we can agree on one thing: this show was very well put together.  I don't think we have mentioned yet that these actors had only two weeks to prepare the production.  Given the short amount of time they had to get this play together, I am quite impressed. The production was fun, solid, and entertaining as anything I have seen on stage.

*Marta:* Touché, Birley, touché.

*Conclusion:* If you haven't seen this production, go now. Don't wait.Go see it now. Have you gone yet? Get going! The show starts soon!