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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Measure for Measure Also see Gil's reviews of Megalodon, Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, and Les Misérables
The plot unfolds in a modern-day Vienna, where the Duke (Andrew DeCarlo) temporarily leaves the city in the hands of his strict deputy, Angelo (Leroy Hood), who immediately begins enforcing long-ignored laws that bring harsh severity. When the young Claudio (Seth Scott) is sentenced to death for impregnating his fiancée before marriage, his sister, Isabella (Ryan L. Jenkins), a novice preparing to enter a convent, pleads for mercy. Angelo is captivated by Isabella's virtue and offers to spare Claudio only if she submits to his advances, setting in motion a series of disguises, deceptions, and carefully orchestrated schemes as a disguised Duke secretly observes the consequences of Angelo's hypocrisy and ultimately works to restore justice. In Measure for Measure, Shakespeare explores authority, morality, corruption, and the grey line between justice and vengeance. Even more than four centuries after it was written, the play remains remarkably relevant in our modern world where politicians are trying to go against existing laws and norms so things fit their agenda; director Keath Hall's decision to set the play in modern times was a smart choice. While the themes in the play are weighty, Shakespeare balances them with moments of humor, mistaken identity, and romance, while also inviting audiences to wrestle with its ethical dilemmas. However, this strange and swift change from drama to comedy that happens a few times in the play also may prove to be something of a whiplash for theatregoers who aren't prepared for the swings in tone. Fortunately, the ensemble cast are all quite good, seamlessly using vocal changes and body language to create distinct individuals. As Isabella, Ryan Jenkins delivers a beautiful and compelling performance that captures both the character's unwavering conviction and her growing confliction, while Leroy Hood's depiction of Angelo lets us see the self-righteousness and desire concealed under his warm exterior. Seth Scott is wonderful as Claudio, and Owen Rapkoch, Beau Heckman, Spencer Beckwith, and Angelica Saario provide solid support, as well as pops of humor, in a few supporting roles. As the Duke, Andrew DeCarlo's somewhat over the top portrayal is a bit at odds with the rest of the cast, though when he's in disguise, his toned-down performance is quite good. Keath Hall's direction is crisp, making excellent use of the simple space to keep the focus on Shakespeare's language and the relationships among the characters. The set is very minimal, but Grace Kuhn's costumes and Juliana Jackson's hair and makeup allow the actors to morph instantaneously from character to character. Stacey Walston's lighting and the media and sound design by Jacob Nichols create intriguing stage images that give us a backdrop for the scenes to play out against. Southwest Shakespeare's production of Measure for Measure embraces the play's humor without shying away from its moral complexities. Centered with a lovely performance by Ryan L. Jenkins, the cast deliver an engaging and intelligent examination of Shakespeare's exploration of justice, mercy, and human frailty. Measure for Measure, produced by Southwest Shakespeare Company, runs through August 9, 2026, at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 East Cactus Road, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit swshakespeare.org. Director: Keath Hall Cast: |
