‘Much Ado,’ ‘Tempest’ Shine Brightly

Talk about sweating the details--you have to credit the hard-working cast of the Foliage Theatre Project for sheer endurance. In its second year of offering outdoor, daytime Shakespeare productions every Saturday and Sunday in Hancock Park, the company takes a lot of heat in “Much Ado About Nothing” and “The Tempest.” Like last year’s “As You Like It,” both are roaming productions that utilize various park landscapes as backdrops.

They also sport a high caliber of performance and staging that belies the “found” setting and free admission. This year, the company faced the additional hurdle of construction projects that have temporarily closed off the more secluded (and better shaded) park locales. The resulting distractions from increased foot traffic and closer proximity to the L.A. County Museum of Art and other buildings unavoidably hamper the immersion in a theatrical world.

Nevertheless, Stephen M. Burdman’s staging skillfully accommodates both pieces to the less than optimal circumstances. “Much Ado About Nothing” lends itself particularly well to pastoral romping, and further benefits from fine performances by Paul Gutrecht and Lauren Daniels as those antagonists-turned-lovebirds, Benedick and Beatrice. Their shifting chemistry is portrayed with thoughtful depth and clarity--a textbook example of accessibly rendered Shakespeare.

The other pair of young lovers in the youthful dual-romance are less convincing: Rick Von Schnier’s Claudio is rather chipper in his callousness at repudiating the slandered Hero (Alice Cunningham), who in turn forgives him with far too much giggly nonchalance after her honor is restored. Nic d’Avirro as the presiding Prince lends noteworthy dignity to the proceedings.

Both adaptations are pared down to realistic, child-friendly running times. “The Tempest,” however, sacrifices more of its depth in this process and often comes across as highlights rather than an integrated story. Following the complex relationships between the shipwrecked gentry is asking a lot from unfamiliar viewers--perhaps a sign that Shakespeare’s comedies might fare better in this format than his more demanding tragedies.

As Prospero, the island’s reclusive magician, Jacob Witkin has a sonorous voice that works wonders with Shakespeare’s verse, though the character’s darker motives and ruminations are notably simplified. But who wants to brood when the sun’s out? Steve O’Connor’s jester and Von Schnier’s drunken butler lighten things up even further in their encounter with Frank Gallegos’ suitably turbulent Caliban. A sprightly Ariel, Kate Movius deserves extra credit for sustained exertion in some amusing costuming by designer Christine Jordan, who also devised a witty rendition of the opening shipwreck.

In either production, commitment and professionalism are never in short supply, but first place goes to “Much Ado”--preferably, in the cooler, late morning Saturday time slot.

*

* “Much Ado About Nothing,” Hancock Park near Wilshire Boulevard and Curson Avenue, Los Angeles. Saturdays, 11 a.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends Aug. 23. Free. (818) 762-2001. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.

* “The Tempest,” Hancock Park near Wilshire Boulevard and Curson Avenue, Los Angeles. Saturdays, 2 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. Ends Aug. 23. Free. (818) 762-2001. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.