EMA Review: Julius Caesar Scrumptious ★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic, EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas 

Betrayal! Tragedy! Being stabbed in the back! No, I’m not talking about my dating life, but describing the new Shakespeare-in-the-Park production by Nevada Shakespeare Festival of Julius Caesar by, obviously, William Shakespeare. The story is easy to follow: Cassius and Brutus conspire to kill Julius Caesar because they believe he is abusing his power, then have to deal with the ensuing civil war that springs from their actions.

Although this play is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Director Matt Morgan has adapted it into a comedy, while also shortening it to a crisp 45 minutes. To be honest, I am constantly in awe of how Morgan brilliantly keeps the essence of the play and the themes while making them short and palatable to the everyday person. What we get is an adaptation that is oodles of fun, and yet doesn’t deviate from the original text (except for well-timed jokes). We get the drama and tragedy, but through the filter of silliness, puppets, and pool noodles. 

The cast is wonderful and enigmatic. Rebecca Husain, Karsyn Artemis Love, Aurora Maria Murphy, Adriane McLean and Riley Molen bring their all to this show through physical comedy, perfect comedic timing, amazingly quick costume changes, and more gusto than all of the Roman gladiators combined. It’s impossible to single out any one person, as they're a true ensemble of awesomeness.

Now, as with all Shakespeare plays, if you’re not familiar with Julius Caesar, I highly recommend you read the synopsis first. It helps if you get lost in the dialogue. This is an excellent one to introduce Shakespeare to your children, and also to those whose only exposure is having to trudge through one of the Bard’s plays in High School. So brave the last gasp of Summer, bring out your trusty lawn chairs or blankets, wave your pool noodles, and cuddle up with a well-prepared picnic. And best of all - it’s free! This is the most fun in the park you can have without a frisbee.

Best of all, Nevada Shakespeare Festival isn’t just bringing Julius Caesar to a park near you. This show is also part of Nevada Shakespeare Festival’s in-school education program - Between the Bells - where they take the show to schools all around the Las Vegas Valley. Their mission is to help audiences experience Shakespeare in a "digestible and approachable way." For more information and, better yet, to give a donation to help bring the Bard to more kids, contact NSF at education@nevadashakespeare.com . They are currently booking the show in schools from September 1 through December 18.

Be on the lookout for Henry V at the Windmill Library, November 13 at 7 p.m. and November 14 at 3 p.m. A reprise of The Taming of the Shrew on October 22-24, 7 p.m., at Lorenzi Park, Sammy David Jr. Festival Plaza. Both are free to the public. You can read my reviews of both shows here on Eat More Art Vegas!

What: Julius Caesar  

When/Where:  September 11 at 6 p.m., Bicentennial Park, 999 Colorado Street, Boulder City

October 17 at 7 p.m., West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas

October 24 at 2:30 p.m., Mountains Edge Fall Festival, Exploration Peak Park, 9275 S Buffalo Drive

Tickets (including fees)/website: Free / nevadashakespeare.com/

RATING: Scrumptious ★★★★

Director/Adaptation: Matt Morgan.