Equivocation

play rehearsal for the king

The Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street, is presenting Equivocation on its Arcadia stage through December 13. The production boasts an exceptionally  talented and seasoned ensemble cast. With the exception of Eric Hissom, who gives a commanding performance as Shag and Campbell O’Hare who is making her Arden debut as Judith, the rest of the cast deftly play multiple roles.  Dan Hodge, Sean Lally, Ian Merrill Peakes and Anthony Lawton so quickly morph from friends of Shag’s, to actors in the Globe Theatre Company, to members of the King’s court, and back again that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of the plot. The complex story line involves an historical event known as The Gunpowder Plot in which there was an assassination attempt on England’s King James I in 1605. The plot was discovered and many plotters were tortured and hung for treason. Shag is commissioned to write a play about the event but both he and his fellow actors have trouble finding the drama believable as they rehearse various rewrites. Fortunately the king who has commissioned the play is Scottish and loves witches, which gives Shag some last minute reprieve. If the plot of Equivocation is sometimes bothersome the acting never is. The entire cast turns in outstanding performances. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or walk –up to the box office at 40 N. 2^nd Street.