THEATER REVIEW:Vanguard actors excel in ‘Othello’

Of all the tragedies in the Shakespearean canon, none is more visceral, more gut-wrenching than “Othello.” Yes, “Hamlet” and “Macbeth” have a far higher body count, as for that matter does “King Lear,” but “Othello” will hit its audiences where they live.

This is particularly true when a collegiate producing group pours all of its resources into the production, including the recruitment of two seasoned professionals to portray the title character and his scheming underling, Iago. This all leads to the sort of magnificent interpretation now on stage at Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University.

Murderous jealousy seeps into Shakespeare’s military world of Venice and Cyprus — here updated to modern dress with riveting effect by director Susan Berkompas, who employs a pair of lithe actresses to play the “furies,” Iago’s muses, who appear stealthily when the latter character begins plotting his nefarious deceits.

Othello himself, a Moor or black man so expert in warfare he has risen to general of the Venetian army, is a conflicted character. On one hand, he is the soul of wisdom and diplomacy; on the other, he fumes like Vesuvius at the thought that his white bride, Desdemona, might be unfaithful to him.

She is not, of course, but Iago, passed over for promotion in Othello’s military ranks, vows to plant that seed in his commander’s mind, even though on the surface he warns Othello not to be swayed by the “green-eyed monster” of jealousy. That monster is the most powerful element in the tragedy.

Spearheading the Vanguard production is a towering performance by Baron Kelly, a Chapman University instructor and Equity professional, as Othello. Kelly meticulously builds his character from a revered, articulate leader and just commander into the raging inferno spurred by pernicious envy. It is a textbook lesson in acting for his student cast-mates.

Paul Eggington, another pro who serves as Vanguard’s technical director, takes on the verbose Iago with a different tack than most actors in this role. Eggington emphasizes a lightness of being, an outward jollity, which masks a vicious inner resentment. The contrast between his public and private demeanor is jarring.

As the fair Desdemona, woefully mistreated by her husband and, by extension, her maid and companion — Iago’s wife Emilia — Mary Hering beautifully projects calmness and fidelity. Caitlin Macy-Beckwith, as Emilia, brings a more streetwise bearing to her role, erupting in white-hot fury when her husband’s duplicity is revealed.

Jeff Fazakerley excels as the staunch lieutenant Cassio, tricked into a demeaning act of violence by Iago. Andy Christensen is splendid as Roderigo, whose fervor for Desdemona leads him into Iago’s treachery, while Tim Larson is a strong Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, coaxed to grudgingly approve his daughter’s marriage.

Cassio’s round-heeled lady friend Bianca is nicely interpreted by Jenn Nelson, and Jesse Aguilera fumes skillfully as the authoritarian Lodovico. The two furies, wordless spirits who propel Iago’s plotting, are neatly enacted by Cierra Mosby and Charlotte Self.

The murderous climactic scene will shock even those quite familiar with the Moor’s final treacherous act. It is the method of execution that is calculated to raise gooseflesh in the audience.

Eggington, apart from excelling as Iago, also designed the majestic unit setting. Lia Hansen’s costumes and makeup, along with David Pecoraro’s lighting, further enhance the production, while the sound designs of John Leath set an ominous mood.

If you’ve never witnessed Shakespeare’s “Othello,” the Vanguard production is the one by which to measure future local incarnations. It is college theater at its most majestic.

WHAT: “Othello”

WHERE: Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Closing performances at 8 p.m. tonight, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday

COST: $10 - $8

INFO: (714) 668-6145

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