Ageless Themes of ‘Othello’ Have a Contemporary Ring

A fast-moving production from the California Shakespeare Company’s artistic director, William Fisher, reduces whatever stuffiness might be associated with “Othello” and concentrates on the fun stuff: Iago’s vicious and relentless revenge upon being passed up for promotion in favor of that young whippersnapper, Cassio. When playing the race card doesn’t work, Iago starts planting evidence. How could a play be more up-to-date?

Jason E. Carmichael stars as Othello. Younger and looser than many portrayals of the noble Moor, Carmichael really comes to life in Act II. Allan Robb, last seen locally in this company’s “Richard II,” plays the conniving, remorseless Iago; Brett Elliott (Oberon in the group’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) is seen as a heroic, somewhat thick-witted Cassio; and Hugh McManigal, a familiar face on local stages, steals scenes as the comic relief, Iago’s unwitting dupe, Roderigo.

Director Fisher brought us a punkette Ariel in “The Tempest” awhile back. Here, Othello’s loving wife, Desdemona (played most effectively by Ranjani Brow), is almost a surfer girl--naive, flirtatious, and very, very blond. Jennifer Grimes is Iago’s intelligent, contentious wife (and Desdemona’s servant) Emilia, and Stephanie Lowe plays Cassio’s plaything, Bianca.

As with all California Shakespeare Company productions, the emphasis is on language, with histrionics thankfully subdued and sets virtually absent. Coupled with a timely and compelling story, this “Othello” is a sure bet.

* “Othello” continues weekends through May 12 at the California Shakespeare Company, 6685 Princeton Ave. (Varsity Plaza Shopping Center) in Moorpark. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Admission to all performances is $14; students and seniors, $12. For reservations (recommended) or further information, call 498-3354.

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Crossing the Language Barrier: “Rosa de Dos Aromas,” the Teatro de las Americas production opening this weekend at Oxnard’s Petit Playhouse, was a long-running hit in Mexico City in the 1980s. Though the new production of Emilio Carballido’s comedy will be in Spanish, English-language titles will be projected behind the stage.

“There is an English translation available,” said director Christina Aerenlund, “but I didn’t think it accurately reflected the play.”

Two woman, played by Olivia Obregon and Patricia Casiano, meet in a jailhouse waiting room, discovering that they are there to bail out the same man. “It happens in Mexico City,” said Aerenlund, “but it could happen anywhere.”

Spanish-speaking members of the audience will have one advantage, if you can call it that: The Spanish is somewhat more authentic, it seems, than the English translation.

“The language could be described as a little crass, though it’s language I hear spoken by Mexicans and Mexican Americans here all the time,” said Aerenlund. “My mother never would have taken me to this play when I was growing up in Mexico City.”

* “Rosa de Dos Aromas” will run weekends through May 18 at the Petit Playhouse, 730 South B St. in Oxnard’s Heritage Square. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday, May 5 and 12 only. Tickets are $7, or $5 for students with I.D. Group rates are available. For reservations (recommended) or further information, call 984-3222.

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Santa Susana’s New Season: With its production of “Cyrano de Bergerac” still on the boards at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Santa Susana Repertory has announced its forthcoming season: the Smoky Mountain-set folk musical “Dark of the Moon” will run Sept. 27-Oct. 20; the group’s annual “A Christmas Carol” from Dec. 6-22; “On Golden Pond” from Feb. 7- March 2; and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” from April 18-May 11. For a copy of the subscription brochure, call 497-8616.

Casting Call: Plaza Players’ artistic director Michael Maynez will hold auditions by appointment only on Monday for Jonathan Tolin’s comedy-drama, “The Twilight of the Golds,” to be produced in Ventura, weekends from June 8-29. For audition appointments or further information, contact Maynez at 653-2378.

Auditions by appointment only will be held early next month for Cabrillo Music Theater’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” Auditions for the roles of Sky Masterson, Sarah Brown, Nathan Detroit, Miss Adelaide and Nicely-Nicely will take place May 4 in Burbank; two Equity guest contracts will be cast from these roles. Additional principal, chorus and dance auditions will be held May 5 and 6 in Newbury Park. Call 497-8613 for information or appointments for all auditions.