My favorite play in Chicago. No doubt about it.
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There are times when the audience winces or even feels the temptation to want to look away during the compelling unfolding of events in Chicago Shakepeare Theater's riveting production of "The Madness of George III."
These natural temptations serve as further proof of the sheer brilliance of the performance by three-time Tony Award nominee actor Harry Groener in the title role of a monarch on the verge of mental collapse at a time when medical science had little to offer the treatment of physical ailments, let alone, abnormalities of the intellect and reasoning.
Masterfully written by Alan Bennett, the Laurence Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright of "The History Boys," this three-hour, one intermission dramatic masterpiece is directed by Penny Metropulos and runs through June 12 at the Courtyard Theater at Navy Pier.
Edge of the seat intrigue and amazingly ideal production values result in a story that quickly seems to swirl about as the audience is on the edge of their seats feeling compassion, confusion, sympathy and even moments of humor while absorbing this fascinating time of history.
"The Madness of George III" explores one of the most politically charged periods of Great Britain's history into a surprisingly heartfelt human story about loss-of mind, body and power.
The 13 Colonies of the "New America" have just been lost as King George III descends into madness and is forced to submit to his doctors' myriad 18th-century medical treatments, his personal and political affiliations are threatened.
Watching the descent of his father are his two sons, the thoroughly entertaining Richard Baird as the Prince of Wales and impish actor Alex Weisman as his brother the Duke of York.
But at the core of this story of royal intrigue are the King's relationships with his devoted Queen Charlotte, played by the ever-amazing Ora Jones and his closest advisers, who endure uncertainty as England's ruler struggles to remain in control of his own person and his government.
Readers might recall Bennett also received an Academy Award nomination for his 1994 cinematic adaptation of "The Madness of George III," which won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction, and starred the late Nigel Hawthorne as King George III and Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte.
Actor William Pitt is a strong and encaptivating stage force playing the prime minister torn between serving the people, his government and a ruler who has left a lasting impact on himself and many others.
Other members of this incredible, capable cast include Kevin Gudahl as Captain Fitzroy, David Lively as Thurlow, Brad Armacost as Dr. Baker, Patrick Clear as Dr. Warren, William Dick as Dr. Pepys, James Newcomb as Dr. Willis, Steven Pringle as Papandiek and Patrice Egleston as Lady Pembroke.
And look for South Holland native and actor Kevin Cox, delivering an amusing and carefully balanced performance as Braun, one of the king's footmen.
Scenic Designer William Bloodgood provides a perfect, transforming set for the story to emerge, while the costume design by Susan E. Mickey is stunning.
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x
x
There are times when the audience winces or even feels the temptation to want to look away during the compelling unfolding of events in Chicago Shakepeare Theater's riveting production of "The Madness of George III."
These natural temptations serve as further proof of the sheer brilliance of the performance by three-time Tony Award nominee actor Harry Groener in the title role of a monarch on the verge of mental collapse at a time when medical science had little to offer the treatment of physical ailments, let alone, abnormalities of the intellect and reasoning.
Masterfully written by Alan Bennett, the Laurence Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright of "The History Boys," this three-hour, one intermission dramatic masterpiece is directed by Penny Metropulos and runs through June 12 at the Courtyard Theater at Navy Pier.
Edge of the seat intrigue and amazingly ideal production values result in a story that quickly seems to swirl about as the audience is on the edge of their seats feeling compassion, confusion, sympathy and even moments of humor while absorbing this fascinating time of history.
"The Madness of George III" explores one of the most politically charged periods of Great Britain's history into a surprisingly heartfelt human story about loss-of mind, body and power.
The 13 Colonies of the "New America" have just been lost as King George III descends into madness and is forced to submit to his doctors' myriad 18th-century medical treatments, his personal and political affiliations are threatened.
Watching the descent of his father are his two sons, the thoroughly entertaining Richard Baird as the Prince of Wales and impish actor Alex Weisman as his brother the Duke of York.
But at the core of this story of royal intrigue are the King's relationships with his devoted Queen Charlotte, played by the ever-amazing Ora Jones and his closest advisers, who endure uncertainty as England's ruler struggles to remain in control of his own person and his government.
Readers might recall Bennett also received an Academy Award nomination for his 1994 cinematic adaptation of "The Madness of George III," which won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction, and starred the late Nigel Hawthorne as King George III and Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte.
Actor William Pitt is a strong and encaptivating stage force playing the prime minister torn between serving the people, his government and a ruler who has left a lasting impact on himself and many others.
Other members of this incredible, capable cast include Kevin Gudahl as Captain Fitzroy, David Lively as Thurlow, Brad Armacost as Dr. Baker, Patrick Clear as Dr. Warren, William Dick as Dr. Pepys, James Newcomb as Dr. Willis, Steven Pringle as Papandiek and Patrice Egleston as Lady Pembroke.
And look for South Holland native and actor Kevin Cox, delivering an amusing and carefully balanced performance as Braun, one of the king's footmen.
Scenic Designer William Bloodgood provides a perfect, transforming set for the story to emerge, while the costume design by Susan E. Mickey is stunning.
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