Orson’s Shadow

By Diane Johnson

Intelligent, intense and full of surprises, the Fringe’s dramatic production of Orson’s Shadow is now playing at the Key West Theater.

The show is written by the renowned playwright Austin Pendleton, and directed by the Fringe’s distinguished resident Director Dennis Zacek, who deftly balances the drama between the actors with the playful audience asides. Zacek has incorporated several new talents in his ensemble cast who like him hail from Chicago. Talent from the windy city has arrived in Key West.

Based upon a true story, Kenneth Tynan, a theater critic for The New Yorker, convinces Orson Welles to direct Laurence Olivier in the production of Rhinoceros, at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The dynamic between Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier exposes the war between their tremendous egos and their insecurities.  The madness, which ensues, threatens to undermine their success, an elusive goal to begin with because the brilliant works of Citizen Kane and War of the Worlds are a tough act to follow. As the show unfolds, the sordid history between these two men emerges from their Hollywood days.

Kyle Caskey is Kenneth Tynan, the soft-spoken chain-smoking critic whose reviews of the characters’ acting haven’t always been positive. His performance was fabulous and at times full of glee as he addressed the audience directly. Matt Hollis-Hulsey played Sean, Orson Welles lackey, willing to do his bidding at a moment’s notice. His facial expressions clearly communicated his emotions even though his lines were mundane. Jim Poole delivered a powerful performance as Orson Welles. He appeared to channel Orson’s frustration and self doubt yet at the same time he revealed his genius. Poole’s energy emanated across the stage as he struggled to direct Laurence Olivier played by Patrick New, whose romance with Vivien Leigh and Joan Plowright was enough to make any man crazy. Patrick’s potent portrayal of Olivier was passionate and full of angst. His performance reflected a self-consumed individual, stuck in the past. Olivier’s confusion on how to let go of one woman and move on to the other was palpable and not lost on either actress.  Tammy Shanley did a remarkable job at being Joan Plowright, the patient loving girlfriend to Olivier. She attempted to balance the conflicts between Welles and Olivier so the show could go on. Nicole Nurenberg portrayed Vivien Leigh, the talented yet high-strung actress trying to make a comeback after her incredible success with Gone With The Wind. Nicole was convincing as the sweet but manic wife totally exasperated with Olivier.

The artistic Annie Miners was both Stage Manager and in charge of Costumes. Set Design credit goes to Don Lynch and Charlie Bengel.

The Fringe production of Orson’s Shadow is now playing at the recently renovated Key West Theater located at 512 Eaton St. Tickets are available online at www.keystix.com, www.fringetheater.org or by calling the box office at: 305-295-7676. Orson’s Shadow runs Thursday though Saturday March 12, 13, 14, March 19, 20, 21 and March 26, 27, and 28. Showtime is 8 pm

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