Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

I had the great fortune of catching the final performance of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" at North Carolina Stage Company. This play is a classic of modern western theatre, and very popular when performed. This rang true in Asheville, as a ring of excitement seemed to buzz around this production. This is one of the few NC Stage produced shows these season, and I am glad I did not miss it.

The play concerns the actions of the rather minor characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from the rather major epic of "Hamlet." Most of the main characters from Hamlet make appearances in the play, with the largest role going to Player King, who serves as a sort of narrator/guide for the bumbling duo.

Hans Meyer (director of "Doubt" and a member of the Immediate Theatre Project) and Willie Repoley played the titular dead characters. The two of them worked together brilliantly. They perfectly embodied two blundering brilliant idiot swept away by the waves of change and probability. Also amazing was Michael MacCauley as the Player King. His portrayal had the perfect combination of presence, necessary for us to believe that this character could pass for an actor, and sleaze, necessary for us to believe that he is not an actor. Also of note was the young actor who played Alfred, the boy player, played by Colin Stone. He had amazing presence for what is essentially a mute role.

This show is LONG. Three acts and two intermissions. Yet, time flies when you're having fun, and everyone in the audience was having lots of fun. Really, my only complaint was that I wished certain things had been made smoother. Nothing specific, but you could tell where certain rough spots were. And the only reason you could tell was because they were performing a play that asks the audience to think so very hard that you really notice when things get even stranger.

It was a marvelous production, and I am so glad I dragged myself away from school to go see it.

Yours, in all probability,
Nathan H. A.