THEATER REVIEW / ‘RICHARD III’ : Carnage With Glee : California Shakespeare Company’s production features shining performances and near-nonstop evil.

Ostensibly a drama, “Richard III” may be one of William Shakespeare’s funniest plays.

In the wake of the Royal National Theater of Great Britain’s recent sold-out U.S. tour starring Ian McKellan, the play is now the latest production of the California Shakespeare Company under the direction of William H. Fisher.

It’s a thrill to see the wittily evil Richard, a general caught in peacetime with nothing to do, work his way to the throne. He does so the old-fashioned way: by killing or marrying everybody in the line of succession or who might object to his violent takeover of the English throne. Richard weds Lady Ann, whose husband and father-in-law he has already killed, and then has her killed as well.

His brothers (one of whom is already king), his young nephews, and even his most toadying supporters are eliminated along the way.

What makes this all so amusing, other than carnage worthy of a kung fu movie--or the last act of “Hamlet”--is the glee with which Richard, Duke of Gloucester, connives his way to the throne. The bloody hands are seldom Richard’s own, as he sets friend upon friend, accuses the innocent of treachery, and simply commissions assassinations. Richard’s having a wonderful time: Early in the play, he helpfully outlines to the audience whom he is going to eliminate, why, and how.

Ronald Rezak makes his California Shakespeare Company debut as Richard, and he shines in the role. Like Richard, Rezak--familiar to Plaza Players and Ojai Shakespeare Festival audiences--can barely contain his glee as he manipulates and murders his way to the throne.

Richard is one of the longest parts in Shakespeare, second only to Hamlet, and he does tend to dominate the stage. Still, the California Shakespeare Company production includes many notable supporting performances, including Allison Regan as Queen Elizabeth, Brenda Kenworthy as Lady Anne and Kelly Mulligan as George, Duke of Clarence. Richard Winterstein is terrific as the jovially conniving Duke of Buckingham.

Director Fisher stages the play with virtually no set, only a few props and minimal costumes. A physical necessity in the company’s tiny theater, the sparseness makes it easier to concentrate on the words (no attempts at English accents here) and action.

The original’s several acts have been telescoped to two, with a running time of just over three hours. Don’t let that dissuade you, though: Barely a moment passes without some new evil taking place.

* WHERE AND WHEN

“Richard III” continues through Feb. 14 at the California Shakespeare Company, 6685 Princeton Ave. (Varsity Park Plaza), Moorpark. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8; Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors and students, and they must be reserved in advance; there will be no sales at the door. For tickets or further information, call 498-3354 or 373-9243.