Write a commentOn Sunday, August 11, Homer-based Center Stages provided a thrilling rendition of Shakespeare’s Tragedy of King Richard the Third at Mexico Point State Park.
The production was delayed only a few minutes by rainstorms, as cast and crew worked quickly with park staff to raise a tent and adjust to the new stage area. Despite the curveballs thrown by Mother Nature—which also condensed the final act of the play as more serious thunderstorms rolled in—the volunteer acting company pulled together a phenomenal show.
Queen Margaret, widow to Henry VI, was played by Christina McDonald. Her emotional Act I monologue railing against the treacherous Richard—who, at that point in the play, was still Duke of Gloucester—set the stage for a fiery production. And yet, the company still managed to find humor throughout the play’s more serious subject matter.
In a playful move Shakespeare himself would have approved of, Prince George (played by James Boland) accused one of the murderers—played by actress Deb Sharp—of being “no man” ahead of his death. Mark Durkee, who played King Richard, also created comical undertones by, for example, giving side eye to the audience when complimented as a true ally by someone he had plans to betray.
Sound effects were kept minimal to give the cast time to shine… and when they were deployed, they heightened the mood considerably. The sizable audience dissolved into giggles at the over-the-top decapitation sounds, while trumpets and drums added depth and drama to royal processions, battlefield scenes, and the like.
After four acts, the company broke for intermission, with a delightful assortment of crackers, dips, and fresh fruit and veggies donated by The Eis House for refreshments. Shortly after the final bow, thunderstorms descended on the park—a fittingly dramatic end to a rousing play in the park.
The production was made possible by a grant from CNY Arts. To learn more about Center Stages and support their work, visit center4art.org. While Sunday’s performance was their last of the season, we hope they will be back in Oswego County again come 2025!
