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Richard III

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

Eclectic Company Theater

Through August 30

RECOMMENDED:

Director Natasha Troop’s dark, compelling production soars on the talents of an ensemble that turns in excellent performances. This is a simple, conventional production (notwithstanding Wendell C. Carmichael’s attractive assemblage of modern costumes, that includes some formal evening attire), without any flashy stagecraft, yet it’s difficult to imagine it being more effective, no matter how extravagant the design elements.

Troop’s staid gray, raised platforms and opposing steps serve the production well, and she does an artful job of marshalling her sizable cast, making shrewd use of the platforms as well as audience space. The director has also found a way of mining the lighter, funnier elements of the play, which makes it all the more entertaining.

Jon Mullich does the honors as the deformed, blood thirsty King Richard, who schemes and murders his way to the Throne of England. Mullich’s Richard is a guy you love to hate, and hate to love (well, like anyway): glib, charming and murderously ambitious. Mullich’s infuses the role with the requisite edge of poisonous malevolence, but also spices it with a strangely appealing element of sadistic humor that is blended to good effect.

Other noteworthy performances are turned in by Rachel Kanouse as Lady Anne, Jessicah Neufeld as Queen Elizabeth, Janie Steele as Margaret of Anjou, and Jesse Merlin as Buckingham.

The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; through August 30. (818) 508-3003, www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org