Six actors for 14 characters doesn't immediately seem like the combination for a successful play. But Shakespeare's "Cymbeline," as performed by the Fiasco Theater group, makes for a fun night at the theater with its off-the-wall comedy.
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The six actors in the production are aided by only some clever costumes, props and a multi-functional trunk. What makes the play so entertaining is its story, which includes cross-dressing, poisoning and a full-blown war. "Cymbeline" is rendered surprisingly entertaining and deviates slightly from the more serious renditions of Shakespearean plays.
The plot revolves around Imogen, daughter of Cymbeline, the King of Britain, and her secret marriage to Posthumus. In marrying him, she betrays her father's wish for her to marry the undesirable Cloten. Posthumus flees Britain to escape the wrath of King Cymbeline, and Imogen journeys to find him. Separated by sleeping potions, a violent beheading, international warfare and an unrevealed reunion with her long lost brothers, Imogen endures an array of obstacles in her quest. The final scene is an absolutely ridiculous revelation of all the disguises, complications, secrets, betrayals and kidnappings that have taken place.
The Fiasco Theater's production of "Cymbeline" embraces the play's sheer ridiculousness. Scenic transitions are performed by the company, and at one point there is even a character change center stage — signaled by the removal of a crown and the donning of a pair of glasses. There are several well-performed musical numbers, some serving as transitions and others as scenes on their own. Worthy of note is the brilliant trunk, designed by Jacques Roy, which functions as most of the central props, including a table, bed, toilet, wall, cave entrance, pool table and, at one point, an actual trunk.
The cast includes Ben Steinfeld, who, in addition to acting in and co-directing "Cymbeline," is an adjunct professor in the Gallatin School for Individualized Study. Also worthy of note, for his outstanding comedic delivery, is Andy Grotelueschen, who plays both Cymbeline and Cloten. So is Emily Young, who was able to convincingly portray an old woman despite her own youthful appearance.
In general, the company made a classical play feel quite contemporary in remarkable fashion. Although the costumes are mostly Shakespearean, there are several musical numbers of modern taste, and the comedic delivery is unapologetically 21st century. These tweaks make the dry script much more entertaining. Theatergoers looking for a traditional, more serious and reverent Shakespearian show will not find what they are looking for in Fiasco Theater's "Cymbeline," but those looking simply for an entertaining, sometimes raunchy show for a fun night at the theater certainly will.
Cymbeline runs at the Barrow Street Theatre at 27 Barrow St. (near Seventh Ave.) through Dec. 31. Student rush tickets are $20, cash only, on the day of the performance beginning at 1 p.m., two tickets per student ID.
