Driven by a theme of “ambition knows no mercy,” Guillermo Cienfuegos returns to A Noise Within to direct what’s billed as “a streamlined, high-velocity take” on Shakespeare’s timeless ‘Richard lll,’ re-set in 1970s Britain.
Starring Ann Noble as the royal schemer audiences love to hate, the production is scheduled to run Feb. 14 through March 8 at A Noise Within’s theater in Pasadena. Lower priced preview performances start Feb. 8.
Equally charismatic and contemptible while burdened by physical challenges and gripped by ambition, Richard scratches and claws his way to the thrown with relentless ferocity. The upstart monarch deviously removes all obstacles — and all people — that block his path to power.
“Manipulating, marrying and murdering his way to the top with charm and zeal, Richard turns the audience into his unwitting accomplice: we root for him even as his plans grow ever more monstrous,” according to A Noise Within.
Cienfuegos noted his “cinematic” approach to directing “Richard the III,” which he said “is the original ‘Game of Thrones.'”
“Anyone expecting a dusty, Shakespearean history is going to be very surprised,” he said in a statement. “This production will feel more cinematic, like a Martin Scorsese or a Quentin Tarantino film, and move like a freight train. A short recap at the top of the show will orient the audience so they can focus fully on Richard’s ruthless pursuit of the crown.”
Geoff Elliott, A Noise Within co-artistic director, added, “People don’t realize how funny this play is. Richard is one of Shakespeare’s most darkly comic characters.”
Performances are set to take place Feb. 14 through March 8 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., organizers said. Matinees are on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., no matinee on Saturday, Feb.14.
Four preview performances are set for Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 11; Thursday, Feb. 12; and Friday, Feb. 13 — each beginning at 7:30 p.m.
A one-hour INsiders Discussion Group will take place prior to the matinee on Feb. 15 starting at 12:30 p.m. Post-performance conversations will take place every Friday, except the preview, and Sunday, Feb. 22.
“Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m.,” according to the play’s organizers. “Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.”
General tickets start at $41.75 including fees, and student tickets start at $20.
Tickets to the previews on Feb. 11 and 12 will be “pay what you choose,” with tickets starting at $10, organizers said. Preview tickets will be available online beginning at noon on the Monday before each of the four preview performances. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
A Noise Within is located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd. in Pasadena. More information and to ticket purchases are available by calling 626-356-3100 or visiting anoisewithin.org.
“Richard lll” is recommended for mature audiences ages 14 and up, organizers said.
