Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III has opened at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and this is one play that should be seen by everyone interested in the best that Chicago theater has to offer.
The story centers on King George III, the King of England at the time of the American war of independence against England. Five years after that war ended, the king became afflicted with an undiagnosed illness that tormented him both physically and mentally and rendered him incapable of ruling for a time. This play takes place during the time of the king’s illness and his son’s subsequent attempt to ascend to the throne.
At its core, this is a very human story of one man’s battle against the revolt of his own body and mind and the pain that suffering causes those who love and depend on him. Through the king’s illness, the play also looks at the struggles most of the characters face over the loss of control, whether political or emotional.
Harry Groener is superb as King George III. Watching his painful descent into madness, his helplessness in the face of physical indignities forced upon him, and his heart wrenching attempts to overcome his illness, it’s easy to become so immersed in what’s unfolding before your eyes that you forget you’re watching a play –one of the best measures of the quality of a performance and a play.
Ora Jones brings a quiet and regal dignity to the role of Queen Charlotte while also poignantly conveying the emotions of a woman helplessly watching the man she loves suffer. Her understanding and compassion during the king’s worst moments underscore her character’s dignity and capacity for love.
Richard Baird as the Prince of Wales and Alex Weisman as the Duke of York provide many of the comedic moments in the play with their frequent displays of ineptitude and foolishness. They are great fun to watch and offer momentary releases from the play’s intensity.
Nathan Hosner as William Pitt, the Prime Minister, Erik Hellman as Captain Greville, and Kevin Gudahl as Captain Fitzroy turn in fine performances in their steadfast support of the king during his illness.
Penny Metropulos’s direction creates such full characterization in many of the roles that the audience is drawn into the story and really cares about what happens with the characters.
The set design provides the perfect backdrop to the storyline; the palatial beauty serves as a contrast to the undignified and tortured nature of the king’s illness.
The Madness of George III runs for 2 hours 45 minutes (including intermission), but you won’t feel like you’ve been there that long, because it’s so easy to get completely immersed in the story.
The Madness of George III runs through June 12, 2011 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is located at Navy Pier.
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