Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare
Adapted by John Wolbers, Edited by Aarya Locker
Directed by Aarya Locker
St. Louis Shakespeare
October 31, 2024
Cast of Julius Caesar
Photo by Gerry Love
St. Louis Shakespeare
Julius Caesar is a well-known historical tragedy from William Shakespeare, but the title is somewhat deceptive. Although the story certainly revolves around the titular Roman ruler, and he is the catalyst for the action, Caesar isn’t really the main character. The main focus is on his close associate Marcus Brutus and several of the other conspirators who become suspicious of Caesar’s ambition and move to take drastic steps to curtail it. With memorable lines and speeches, as well as an ominous tone, the show works as an excellent acting showcase, and as staged in a fast-paced, somewhat streamlined adaptation by St. Louis Shakespeare, it makes a strong, memorable impression featuring an excellent local cast.
The story starts off as Caesar (Ryan Lawson-Maeske) returns triumphant to Rome from battle, and amid the shouts of praise from the throngs of people awaiting him, he’s met with an ominous warning from a Soothsayer (Aarya Locker) to “beware the Ides of March”, which is coming up very soon. As his ally Mark Anthea (Ricki Franklin) supports him, others fear Caesar’s apparent ambition and lead a conspiracy to kill him. One of the most persistent voices in this movement, Cassius (Sam Hayes) leads the effort to recruit Caesar’s close friend Brutus (Chuck Winning) to their cause, and after much rumination, Brutus agrees. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to mention that the group–including Cassius, Brutus, Casca (Kelli Rao), Decius Brutus (Creighton Markovich), Trebonius (Don McClendon), and Metellus Cimber (Tammy O’Donnell)–succeeds in its plan, but thanks to the famous oratory skills of Anthea, and the military opposition led by Anthea and Octavius Caesar (Mo Moellering), the conspirators’ success isn’t as complete as they had wished. These events are taken from history, with mystical elements including the Soothsayer’s prophecies and various portents and omens emphasized for drama.
This version of the play, adapted by John Wolbers and edited by director Aarya Locker, is fast-paced and focuses on the key events, as well as the relationships between major characters, moving into military action in the latter parts of the play, featuring dynamic fight choreography by Todd Gillenardo. The cast is strong, led by Winning in a thoughtful portrayal of the conflicted Brutus; Hayes as the persistent, belligerent Cassius; Franklin as the loyal Anthea; Lawson-Maeske in a regal turn as Caesar; and a stirring performance from Locker as the Soothsayer. It’s a strong cast all around, with many of the players commendably playing several characters and admirably minimizing any confusion.
There are memorable dramatic moments as well, and an overall ominous tone that’s well-maintained through excellent use of lighting designed by Kristin Gunther and sound by Charlie Hartley. The costumes by Sam Hayes are bold and colorful, and Charles Winning’s set is appropriately classically styled, featuring pillars and colorful banners, and a stage setup that serves as an excellent base for the quick-moving action of the story.
This is a relatively short production, with a run time of a little over two hours, but the times goes by briskly. It’s a memorable, character-focused Julius Caesar that provides all the historical Roman atmosphere that one might expect, with an emphasis on character and ominous drama. There’s only one performance left to see, so especially for Shakespeare fans and Roman history aficionados, I highly recommend trying to catch it.
Chuck Winning, Sam Hayes
Photo by Gerry Love
St. Louis Shakespeare
St. Louis Shakespeare is presenting Julius Caesar at the Donn Lux Family Performing Arts Theatre at Lift for Life Academy until November 2, 2024
