THEATER REVIEW / ‘MEASURE FOR MEASURE’ : This Shakespeare Play Measures Up

Neither a comedy nor a tragedy--or even a conventional story, for that matter--”Measure for Measure” is considered by those who keep tabs of such things as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” along with “Troilus and Cressida” and “All’s Well That Ends Well.”

It’s seldom performed, yet at one point, both the California Shakespeare Company and the Ojai Shakespeare Festival were planning to offer “Measure” this season.

The Ojai group dropped out--it will be doing the more popular “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Taming of the Shrew” later this year--but artistic director William Fisher pressed on with his California Shakespearians.

Not only is it instructive to see this production of “Measure,” it’s fun: More often amusing than not, it raises some strong questions concerning morality and justice. And the fact that a major character sexually harasses women for personal gain is at least as topical in the 1990s as it was when the play was written, circa 1604.

Explaining that he’s taking a trip out of town, Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, appoints his deputy, Angelo, to watch over things. Angelo, it’s made clear, is a man of solid virtue and impeccable reputation.

So virtuous is Angelo that he begins his rule by applying an iron hand to matters, reviving laws that haven’t been enforced in years and taking a hard line on capital punishment. And, as it turns out, Angelo isn’t quite so virtuous as he seems. Who says that Shakespeare isn’t relevant today?

Vincentio isn’t out of town at all, but has disguised himself as a monk and is observing things from the street, a less lofty point of view than he’s used to. When he sees what Angelo’s up to, the Duke decides to do something about it.

Jim Seerden and Aaron Craig portray Vincentio and Angelo, respectively; they are solid actors in strong, adversarial roles. Kelly Vincent and Jessica Emerling are Claudio and Juliet, a young couple caught up in Angelo’s notions of justice, and Brenda Kenworthy plays Isabella. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, who is on the verge of taking her vows as a nun, begs Angelo for mercy for her brother.

A subplot involves the aftermath of Angelo’s closing down Vienna’s red-light district: This brings into the action comic characters madam Mistress Overdone (Rosemarie Esposito), her servant Pompey (Kelly Vincent again), frequent customer Froth (Richard Foss) and constable Elbow (Ilia Dalea).

Other main characters include Escalus (Alan Price), left as second in command by the Duke; Lucio (Mark Anthony Tortorici), a shifty, amoral and very amusing nobleman who pops up in court and in the bawdyhouse proceedings; and Mariana (Christine Failla), who helps bring Angelo his due.

All this is performed, typically for the California Shakespearians, on a practically bare stage, with atmospheric costumes and occasionally flamboyant wigs, and in American accents that are relatively easy to understand. Seerden, otherwise wonderful as Vincentio, does tend to rush his lines a bit, though.

Director Fisher supplies a plot synopsis as part of the theater program. As usual, it’s a good idea to brush up a bit before curtain, but you’re very likely to leave the show wondering just why “Measure for Measure” isn’t performed more often.

* WHERE AND WHEN

“Measure for Measure” continues weekends through June 6 at the California Shakespeare Company Theater, 6685 Princeton Ave. (in the Varsity Park Plaza), Moorpark. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturdays, and Sundays at 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday tickets are $12; $10 seniors and students. All Thursday seats are $8. All seats must be reserved in advance. For reservations or information, call 498-3354 or 373-9243.

CASTING CALL / AUDITIONS

HAIL TO THEE: The Santa Paula Theater Center will hold auditions for Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit,” Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m.; callbacks will be scheduled for May 29 and 30. Director Patricia Lynn-Strickland says she’s looking for three women and two men in their 30s or 40s, with one woman in her early 20s to play a maid and a woman “40-plus” to play medium Madame Arcata. Lynn-Strickland, who is directing “Morning’s at Seven” for the Plaza Players beginning Saturday night, adds that “everyone’s encouraged to audition, regardless of their experience level.”

“Blithe Spirit” will run Thursday through Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons from July 9-Aug. 22. To schedule an audition, call the Santa Paula Theater Center at 525-4645.