Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. No, not the park. The parking lot. Sounds innovative and different. Let’s go.

The Drilling Company’s annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot series seems like a very innovative idea. Performing a play in a parking lot is different from the average theatrical experience. Outdoor theater is one thing, but theater in a parking lot sounds incredibly exciting simply because that is not common. However, there needs to be a reason to perform a play in a parking lot or in another off-beat theatrical setting. There is no point to perform a play in a non-traditional space if one does not take advantage of it.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is most definitely not William Shakespeare’s finest work, hence why it is not performed as often as Twelfth Night or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. However, like all Shakespeare plays, it has themes that are timeless, themes that do not need to be shoved in our faces, themes that everyone connects to. Love is obviously one of the most timeless themes and it is the main theme of Love’s Labour’s Lost. The play tackles issues of love being tested in times of pain and choosing priorities between love and career. Also, the play tackles the most important question of life. Which gender is the more talented and intelligent one“

This production of Love’s Labour’s Lost is set in modern times and the production is now a battle of the sexes through music and stardom. Various references are made about pop stars and many pop songs are sung throughout the show. It was a concept that didn’t seem relevant or necessary. It is great to try to do something different, but the world of the play did not ever quite make sense and all the pieces did not quite mesh. It was very difficult to understand why they added this concept into a play that already makes sense. Audiences are not so ignorant that they need to have a concept shoved in their faces proving to them how life is the same now as it was in Shakespeare’s time. However, the cast, for the most part, did commit to this quirky concept with some fun and memorable physical choices. If they thought it was ridiculous and too “out there,” they tried not to let that come across.

The three actors who stood out are Jordan Feltner (Berowne), Anwen Darcy (Princess), and Amanda Dillard (Rosaline). These three actors have a true sense of the heightened Shakespearean language. Mr. Feltner, especially, had a wonderful sense of musicality and found the balance of saying the lines in a conversational manner without being casual. His vocal production was excellent and he found the passion in the character as he deals with the issues of having to eliminate women from his life. Ms. Darcy and Ms. Dillard were very funny and made very strong choices. An effective part of the play is when the Princess and Rosaline switch roles to confuse the men. The two women did a very strong job imitating each other. They were so successful because they were not afraid to make big and bold choices.

It would have been nice if the cast had been directed to use the space more. Occasionally, an actor would use the fence of a parking lot to hide, but for the most part, the space was ignored. That said, it was certainly an interesting –yes, also exhausting, but definitely interesting -- experience. If you go (which you should. It’s Shakespeare and it’s free!), just make sure to not drink anything before. The show is over two and a half hours and there is no intermission. Even the biggest Shakespeare buff needs fifteen minutes to digest the beautiful and complex language (and to go to the bathroom).