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Reduxion Theatre to present 'Richard III' in Oklahoma City

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Andrew Rathgeber was forceful and self-serving as the Duke of Buckingham, who refuses to arrange for the murder of the king's two young nephews, if he isn't assured of a coveted earldom. Ian Clinton was another threatening presence, along with Oliver Archibald as Sir James Tyrell, who agrees to do the king's dirty work.

Suzanne Stanley brought the right weak, “go along to get along” vamp qualities to Lady Anne, overcoming repulsion to marry the king, well aware she won't live long enough to reap the union's benefits.

Confronting the king in some of the play's best scenes were Jennifer Casteel as his mother, Kris Schinske as Queen Elizabeth, and Cristela Carrizales as the old and “mad” Queen Margaret. Sue Ellen Reiman was just crusty and recalcitrant enough as Lady Hastings, who is led off to be executed, still disgruntled and talking back to the king in a memorable vignette.

Disturbing rather than escapist entertainment, and lasting nearly three hours under the direction of Tyler Woods, Reduxion's “Richard III” isn't the musical “Cabaret,” with all its guilty pleasures. But it is Shakespeare and well worth attending, at least for those with a strong stomach for the darker side of human nature.

— John Brandenburg

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