‘King Lear’ gets presented under the stars

The night may not be dark and brooding, but the show will be as Shakespeare Under the Stars stages one of the Bard’s great tragedies.

The California State University, Stanislaus, department of theater presents its annual outdoor production of a work by William Shakespeare from April 28, to May 3. Now in its sixth year, the showcase will tackle the domestic drama “King Lear,” about an aging king who is dividing his kingdom among his three daughters.

This year’s production is directed by CSU Stanislaus theater department veteran lecturer Patricia O’Donnell. The cast features longtime Stanislaus professor Jere O’Donnell in the title role, along with a cast of about a dozen other professional and local actors, faculty, alumni and students.

“‘King Lear’ is a dark and mystifying tragedy. If you are a fan of ‘Game of Thrones,’ this should be really exciting,” said John Mayer, chairman of the theater department. “This production, given the nature of the cast, would rival almost any Shakespeare festival in the country. The quality of the acting, directing and staging are top-notch, and it’s free.”

Alumni featured in the cast include Carin Heidelbach as Goneril, Elizabeth Holzman Phillips as Regean, Laura Dickinson-Turner as Cordelia, Anthony Vaughan Merchant as Edmund, Craig Tyhurst as Oswald and Stuart Pierce as the Fool.

O’Donnell described the stage design by Eric Broadwater and costume design by Jonathan Singer as “expressionistic and fluid,” with both modern and historical touches. She said the look will reference ancient British history, like Stonehenge, with contemporary and eclectic flourishes. The text has been condensed for the show, shortened both in the timeline of events and in running time.

“Artistically, it is increasing the tension and rashness of all the actions,” O’Donnell said. “It’s a story about the end of life, the transition. Even a king has to experience this transition. It’s really moving to watch him go through that decline. It speaks to a contemporary authoritarian structure, but also ancient, spiritual rituals.”

The free six-night showcase invites audiences to enjoy Shakespeare’s works in the outdoor amphitheater. Seating is always first-come, first-served, and blankets and low-backed chairs are welcome. Guests are invited to bring picnic provisions with them, though no glass containers or alcohol are allowed.

The event remains free thanks to a sponsorship by Prime Shine Car Wash, Mayer said. Each year, some 4,000 to 6,000 people have attended.

“This event harkens back to events that used to take place on the campus,” Mayer said. “It’s a lovely evening out there. You can come to it and it doesn’t cost you an arm and leg. It doesn’t cost anything.”

This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "‘King Lear’ gets presented under the stars."