FOOL – THE HILARIOUS TRUE STORY OF KING LEAR – Written by Austin Techenor; Directed by Daniel Mothershed. Produced by the Greeley Garage Sale Theatre (Presented at the Family of Christ Presbyterian Church, 2410 35th Avenue, Greeley) through February 14. Tickets available at 970-573-6332.
I heard about the Garage Sale Theatre Company a few years ago, but I had never been able to find out when and where they were doing a show until it was over. I was delighted when Director Daniel Mothershed reached out and let me know they were opening a show. I finally got to see one. Folks, this is high-grade community theatre.
The group performs in a small, but apparently very active church. They have given over the sanctuary to the huge two-story set for the show and – I am told – give their sermons from the stage. This is a truly remarkable act of support for a production described as bawdy. An adjective that only begins to describe the naughty fun they are having on this stage.
Several years back, another group of friends created the Reduced Shakespeare Company, based on the success of their first script, the Complete Works of William Shakespeare, which took three slackers through the entire portfolio in 90 minutes. If you’ve ever seen one of their scripts (including the History of the World, the Movies, the Bible, etc.), you will be prepared for the irreverent, fast-paced, totally hysterical, Loony-Tunes way they look at our most respected history. In FOOL, playwright Tichenor has taken this Shakespearean tome over the top.
FOOL is a Shakespeare-adjacent tale that turns the tragic story of Lear on its head by introducing a wicked little nymph called Pocket (loosely based on Puck, methinks) who maneuvers the characters in new directions to unpredictable conclusions. It helps if you know a little about the original plot, but it is not dependent – nor really cares – if you can follow the machinations of Pocket, King Lear’s fool or clown.
Cordelia’s sisters are still the bad guys; Lear still shouts at the wind and ends up with more relatives than he started with; and Gloucester still loses his eyes on stage. But all portrayed on stage with comic effect, instead of the usual doom and gloom
The added character of Pocket rules the roost. A dancer who revels in stylized movement is entirely at home in breaking the fourth wall to explain and illustrate the reworked story. K. Dionne has that naughty twinkle in their eyes that invites the audience to come along on this silly adventure with them. And we do . . . gladly. So what if they have created a new character? They have also created a new section of back story for Lear, a back story for Pocket’s origins, and a second new character called Drool.
Every one of the remaining eight actors – by virtue of quick changes into new costume pieces – plays as many as five other characters. Seth Willis brings a quiet dignity (most of the time) to his Lear, despite playing a Nun in a later scene. Leah Rohlfs sets a high mark in differentiating her four additional characters, as well as serving as Cordelia. The other daughters – Goneril (Eli Schamane) and Regan (Amy Long) also play multiple male and female characters. Rob Walker deserves special kudos for designing, creating, and then wearing the giant puppet character Drool. Don’t ask, I know. No one in Shakespeare’s plays drool.
The set is a magnificent edifice designed by Jen Ford involving a pulpit-like second story and a small, but efficient playing space below. The Costumes designed by Priscilla Sawicki accommodated the quick changes and kept the audience grounded in the story.
I’m aware that one review will likely not persuade any reader to drive to Greeley to see a show. But, remember them and, at the very least, if you do have occasion to go through Greeley, check out if they are doing a show. I hope it reminds you that excellent theatre is being done in every hamlet in Colorado from Trinidad to Grand Junction; from Crested Butte to Creede. Make theatre a part of your travels when you take pleasure in our beautiful state. Not only do we have great vistas, great adventures, and great restaurants, we have great theatre all over the state. Even in Greeley.
A WOW factor of 8.25!!