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Making the most of Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline'

By Matt Windman | amNewYork Theater Critic

December 3, 2007

"Cymbeline" hasn't been seen on Broadway since 1923, when it played 15 performances at Al Jolson's 59th Street Theatre. One of Shakespeare's least popular plays, it belongs in the romance category alongside "The Winter's Tale," "Pericles" and "The Tempest."

Shakespeare's romances combine qualities found in the tragedies, histories and comedies, but emphasize the need to show forgiveness in a world plagued with confusion and cruelty, usually because a husband thought his wife committed adultery.

Those unfamiliar with the play may have at least heard its most well-known verse: "Fear no more the heat o' the sun, Nor the furious winter's rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages" Stephen Sondheim even set it to music in "The Frogs."

The play's characters include a Lear-like monarch, a wicked queen, an Iago-like villain, a deceived husband, a faithfully loyal servant and a heroine daughter. The convoluted plot goes something like this. Princess Imogen marries Posthumus, a lowly suitor, against her father's wishes. Posthumous is exiled and while there told that he has lost his bet that his wife would be faithful. He plots revenge. Unaware, Imogen travels to meet him while disguised as a man.

Mark Lamos' production is remarkably well-staged and enjoyable, making one of Shakespeare's most problematic texts come to life by emphasizing humor in addition to the sadness, and clarity of language to compliment the anarchic style and endless plot twists.

Martha Plimpton, who received a Tony nomination last season for her work in "The Coast of Utopia," again proves her and strengths as an actress as Imogen. Also displaying their typical versatility are Tony winners Michael Cerveris as Imogen's husband, Phylicia Rashad as her stepmother and John Cullum as her father.

In addition to the superb 26-person ensemble, credit also goes to Michael Yeargan's subtle set design, which provides feels like a gold-framed oil painting come to life; and Jess Goldstein's elaborate costumes, which range from British kings and Roman soldiers to forest dwellers.

Cymbeline: At Vivian Beaumont Theater, through Jan. 6.
Tue-Sat 8pm; Wed, Sat 2pm; Sun 3pm; $65-$90.
150 W 65th St, 212-239-6200