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McKellen wrestles with 'Lear' and 'Seagull'

By Matt Windman | amNewYork Theater Critic

King Lear is a popular guy. The list of actors that have recently played the tragedian is impressively long: Kevin Kline, Christopher Plummer, Andre de Shields, F. Murray Abraham, Alvin Epstein and Hal Holbrook.

But 'Lear' being one of Shakespeare's toughest plays, great productions of it are few and far between.

The Kevin Kline production, which took place less than a year ago at the Public Theater, was a dull disappointment. And the Christopher Plummer production, four years ago at Lincoln Center, was a big bore.

Enter Ian McKellen (i.e. Gandolf), who brings the competition to its knees in Trevor Nunn's masterful Royal Shakespeare Company production.

It's almost four hours long and is performed in a mostly bare stage, but it never ceases momentum or loses our interest.

It plays only through the end of the month at BAM and is supposedly sold-out. But if you can figure out a way to get in, we really suggest you set that up.

Reset in pre-Revolutionary Russia, McKellen first enters the stage as part of a pompous ceremony, covered in posh robes. When McKellen raises his hand, the crowd falls like dominos onto their knees. But it's already clear from his heavy breathing and frail stature that he is on the verge of physical incapacity and mental hallucination.

Unlike Kline, who is still too young to play Lear, McKellen's dedication and brilliance truly pay off. So dedicated, in fact, that he even strips in the storm scene, baring himself completely to the elements.

Joining 'Lear' in repertory is Chekhov's 'The Seagull,' also directed by Nunn on the same set. McKellen plays Sorin, another dying guy, but will only appear in three performances of the tragicomedy.

'Seagull,' like 'Lear,' is an engaging production, if somewhat less successful. Having McKellen perform in a smaller role takes the focus away from the rest of the 'Seagull' ensemble cast, creating an awkward balance. But we really enjoyed Romola Garai as Nina, who also made an excellent Cordelia in 'Lear.'

So, where could you go to find spare tix for 'Lear'? Try Craigslist, or maybe the box-office cancellation line. Is there any shot of an extension at BAM? Not likely.

But come to think of it, there's never been a definitive big screen treatment of 'King Lear.' Could McKellen be the right guy?

BAM Harvey Theater, 651 Fulton St, 718-636-4100, $30-90.
Schedule varies.
www.bam.org. Thru Sept 30.