New York Neo-Classical Ensemble is a theater company of young actors dedicated to keep the works of Shakespeare fresh and vibrant. On Thursday I stopped by opening night of their latest production of Shakespeare’s delightfully dark comedy Measure for Measure, a play which begs the question…
SEX OR DEATH?
though the answer seems obvious to most (whoever got a veneral disease from Death?), our unsullied heroine Isabella (Ariana Venturi) must decide whether to give up her virginity to the despot Angelo (Richard Douglass), or let her brother die by public execution.
Awesome!
If that weren’t reason enough to see this play, here are three more:
- Pimps
- Pirates
- Prostitutes
New York Neo’s performance is, (as promised), clever, fresh, and funny featuring a particularly hilarious performance by Brandon Uranowitz as Vencentio, a responsibility shirking duke with a penchant for dressing up as a member of the clergy in order to spy on people. The talented cast also includes past ICBINS collaborators Billy Griffin (Elbow, others) and Erik Gullberg (Barnadine, others).
Measure for Measure plays at La Plaza Cultural (9th st and ave C), Thu-Sat 7:30 PM through May 23rd. Tickets are free and can be reserved on NYNeo’s website. The play is directed by NYNeo’s artistic director, Stephen Stout.
(One final reminder, fellow melancholics… The performance space is outdoors, so try not to enjoy the weather too much.)
- j.
icbins
jraemaldonado
misterpatches
lbferrel
chiatola
mannycbins
rmaranoff
[...] also, our pals at new york neo classical continue to be the shit. Yesterday, i saw their workshop of Henry VI (abridged) directed by our favorite, Bill Griffin. i love these guys. even as it continues to evolve, Henry VI was every bit as much of a pleasure as their spring production of Measure for Measure. [...]