Shakespeare's Rome in Garden Grove

Carl Reggiardo directs and stars as the title character in Shakespeare Orange County’s summer production of Julius Caesar. This well-rounded cast of players depicts the tragic assassination of Julius Caesar, civil war, and the political chaos of the aftermath.

Deeply rooted in the central action of the play is the struggle of Marcus Brutus played by David Denman. In the play, Brutus struggles between his friendship with Caesar, his patriotism and his own humanity.

Deman’s Brutus is strong and proud, with a melancholy humor weighing on his soul. While fundamentally a noble spirit, Brutus allows the distrusting Cassius (John Walcutt) to manipulate his thoughts until he is no long sure of the difference between right and wrong. Yet, both characters are likeable despite their flaws.

Michael Eric Strickland, as the ever loyal and noble Mark Antony, does not hit his full stride until mid-way through the play. However, once given the stakes of Caesar’s tragic murder his star lights up the stage. He becomes the character we all know and love.

Together the ensemble cast shows remarkable talent, connecting to each piece of the story communicating the story to their audience. This is the way Shakespeare should be performed. Shakespeare Orange County delivers yet another well deserved standing ovation from this blogger.


Celebrating its 20th season, Shakespeare Orange County will present “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar,” at 8:15 pm from July 7 -12, 2011 at The Festival Amphitheatre in Garden Grove. Tickets are $34 for adults and $32 for students and seniors or take advantage of “pay what you will” Thurs night! http://www.shakespeareoc.org

Hit Man Casting!

I am proud to announce my second project with Write Act Repertory! I have been cast as Shelly, the sexy blonde bimbo in the new origional short play Hit Man by local playwright Bonnie Hallman. Once again, I will be working with director Michael Eiden.

I just finished my first reading of the script, a dark fast-moving comedy about a hitman, an affair and a murder. The show opens August 12th as part of a 5 play series. Let the crime begin!

King Lear, where has the fool gone?

Shakespeare by the Sea presents a free performance of King Lear! Tonight’s performance took place in Newport Beach at the Bonita Canyon Sports Park.



While King Lear should be the ultimate family drama, filled with explosive emotions and heartache, the only tragedy tonight was this lack luster production. This is the reason non-believers hate Shakespeare. The story is only clearly communicated in brief intervals of time. In short, this production is difficult to understand.

David Graham as King Lear did not connect to his character until the quarter final of the play. He became flamboyant as be began to fall into madness, rather than frail or childish. His only redeeming quality came on his reunion with Cordelia, a tender and intimate moment between father and daughter.

Colin Sprague was utterly forgettable as the Fool. It almost seemed as though the character was left out of the play altogether, as there was no meaningful relationship between him and his master. Our only reminder of his presence came at the end of the play with Lear declared, “And my poor fool is hang'd!”.

Katherine Curi-Prenovost seemed miscast as Regan. Her elegant and royal presence onstage over-shadowed Suzanne Dean as Goneril. Dean seemed to scream her way through the role, creating a high volume character without emotional depth or levels. Her counterpart and sister, Regan (Curi-Prenovost), showed great emotional range and understanding of her character.

Cylan Brown played a devious Edmund, fighting against the instinctual baseness of his character and created a regal prototype of abusive grace. Drew Shirley shined as Edgar. He was the only actor of the night to take strong risks and emotionally dive into his character’s circumstances. He is a true talent and appears a seasoned classical performer.

All-in-all, this on again – off again production of King Lear is a bit of a disappointment, especially in the back of the house where the physicality of the performance can get lost. While it is an honest attempt of bringing FREE Shakespeare to the masses, and many were in attendance, the overall feeling of the night left me discouraged.

I ask nothing more than to be told the story and I was left wanting.

King Lear or Much Ado About Nothing. Presented by Shakespeare by the Sea. Performances through August 13th, Wednesday – Sunday nights. Tickets are FREE. Check Website for dates, times and locations: http://www.shakespearebythesea.org.