Music, Menace and a Murder Myth

Amadeus

Sparked by rumors and stories surrounding the life and death of Austrian Classical composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, famed English playwright, Sir Peter Shaffer (EQUUS, BLACK COMEDY, LETTICE AND LOVAGE) wrote this historically-based murder mystery. Shaffer’s 1981, multiple Tony Award-winning wig-and-costume masterpiece was also adapted three years later into an impressive, Oscar-winning film. The play is narrated by Antonio Salieri, the 18th century court composer for Viennese Emperor, Joseph II. Within the first moments of the play, Salieri states that he’s not only responsible for poisoning Mozart, but that he’s riddled with guilt and has decided to take his own life. Come hell or high water, Salieri only wants to be remembered, if not for his artistry, then for his notoriety.

The playwright explores so many ideas in his drama: the art of making art, the destructive power of jealousy and what is means to be called a genius or merely labeled as mediocre. His treatment of the relationship between these two talented composers is based somewhat on factual information, but is essentially a work of fiction. Scholars have written that while there was probably a rivalry between the two composers, there’s very little to substantiate the idea that Salieri was responsible either for Mozart’s downfall or his death. Shaffer took considerable artistic license in his portrayal of Amadeus, as well, depicting him as a squealing man-child one minute and a serious, somber composer the next. But a play based entirely upon facts wouldn’t be nearly as exciting. What remains is a fascinating drama that’s filled with music, menace and a murder myth.

Multiple Jeff Award-winner and American Theater Hall of Fame inductee, Director Robert Falls has majestically staged and guided this award-worthy production. It’s a captivating production that’s filled with tension, bawdy humor and elaborate detail. Sprawling across Steppenwolf’s vast Ensemble Theater arena venue, and even out into the audience, Mr. Falls creates a majestic and monumental production. The story plays out upon Todd Rosenthal’s modest Scenic Design, beautifully crowned by broken windows and illuminated by crystal chandeliers and pillar candles, the work of Lighting Designer Eric Southern. Thanks to Musical Supervisor Mikhail Fiksel, the drama is enhanced by his Original Music as well as an authentic, 18th century score of compositions created by Mozart, Salieri and their contemporaries.

Talented character actor and Ensemble member Ian Barford (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, THE LIBERTINE) returns to Steppenwolf in the difficult and demanding role of Antonio Salieri. Saying that this is his show is really an understatement, since Salieri both opens and closes the drama, stepping in and out of the play as narrator and main character. Courtly and authoritative, Mr. Barford totally inhabits his character and portrays this conflicted man with the character’s subtle nuances. Ian Barford’s command of language and his careful execution of so much dialogue is surpassed only by his mastery of period acting, so necessary for the piece to work well. But what’s truly impressive is Barford’s natural talent for making his portrayal of Salieri an honest, living, three-dimensional character.

So impressive in this particularly difficult and challenging titular role, respected and nationally-known actor, David Darrow, is brilliant and unsurpassed as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the play’s most colorful role, Mr. Darrow finds delight playing the unbridled genius, the young, spoiled brat with the obnoxious, high-pitched cackle. But there are more mellow moments when the actor suddenly morphs into a serious young man who’s totally devoted to his art. Always in complete command, this spoiled, playful and unexpectedly bawdy Mozart, David Darrow’s character is oblivious of people’s personal boundaries. And  when Barford and Darrow are sharing the stage it’s a veritable battle for the audience’s attention.

Jaye Ladymore, will be remembered for her performance in Steppenwolf’s WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A PRESENTATION…She’s also been seen at practically every theater in Chicago, including at the Goodman in THE NACIREMA SOCIETY, at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in MACBETH and at TimeLine in STICK FLY, among many others. In AMADEUS, Ms. Ladymore has her work cut out for her playing Constanze Weber, Mozart’s frisky, vivacious young wife. She’s got some stiff competition among the men in this play, but as the leading lady Jaye Ladymore truly holds her own in every scene. Her journey from coquettish teenager to the long-suffering wife of a poor genius is a journey filled with dignity, dynamism and a determination to survive.

Standouts in this cast include Gregory Linington’s humorous, often befuddled and subtly underplayed ruler, Emperor Joseph II. The character seems to throw his patronage for the arts around like confetti. Joseph II admittedly admired Mozart’s genius, and while their relationship was complex he allowed Amadeus to freely pursue his artistic career in Vienna. Other talented cast members include Joey Slotnick‘s delightful, somewhat affected and often melodramatic Count Johann von Strack; Yasen Peyankov’s benevolent and no-nonsense Baron Gottfriend van Swieten (talented actor William Dick will take over the role on January 2); John Lister’s jolly, larger-than-life Count Franz Orsini-Rosenberg. As Salieri’s confidants and gossipmongers, gifted Ora Jones and talented Sawyer Smith play the Venticelli. In what could’ve been mere walk-on roles, both gifted actors infuse these two characters with a sassy style and considerable camp, adding the perfect amount of sly delight with an abundance of conspiratorial authority. Each and every appearance by these two actors is a delicious, highly anticipated moment of bodacious bitchiness.

In addition, the lovely and talented Erica Stephan, makes her Steppenwolf debut portraying Austrian opera actress and soprano, Katherina Cavaleri. And Robert Breuler is a formidable presence appearing as Kapellmeister Giuseppe Bonno. The ensemble of Citizens of Vienna consists of Jodi Gage, Aja Singletary, Andres Enriquez, Michael Kingston, Aaron Kirby, Greg Komorowski and Matt Miles. This company of characters constantly flow onto the stage, supplying props, carrying and placing furniture and doling out an abundance of attitude.  

Mr. Falls’ lavish production is especially enriched by a glorious array of period Costumes and wigs by Amanda Gladu. She has assembled a breathtaking collection of colorful 18th century embroidered brocades and satins in the form of breeches and bodices, waistcoats and wigs, frock coats and farthingales. Ms. Gladu has especially designed Mozart to be ”a peacock of fashion,” providing David Darrow with the most spectacular costumes on the stage.

Steppenwolf Theatre absolutely impresses with their current production of Sir Peter Shaffer’s contemporary classic, AMADEUS. This is an excellent play that’s filled with music and menace and takes another look at a murder myth. In Robert Falls’ capable hands, this arena production fulfills the theatre’s mission to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful, inclusive environment. Produced with talent, humor and an abundance of style, Steppenwolf Theatre is once again presenting another exciting and exquisite production that definitely should be on everyone’s holiday list.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 6-January 25 by Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other Chicago area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com