A Noise Within presents a streamlined, high-velocity, darkly entertaining take on William Shakespeare’s Richard III, re-set in 1970s Britain. Guillermo Cienfuegos directs, and Ann Noble stars as the irresistible schemer audiences love to hate. The production runs Saturday, Feb. 14, through Sunday, March 8, at the company’s home in Pasadena. Low-priced previews begin Sunday, Feb. 8.
“Richard III is the original Game of Thrones,” Cienfuegos said. “Anyone expecting a dusty, Shakespearean history is going to be very surprised. This production will feel more cinematic, like a Martin Scorsese or a Quentin Tarantino film, and move like a freight train. A short recap at the top of the show will orient the audience so they can focus fully on Richard’s ruthless pursuit of the crown.”
Set in the aftermath of a long civil war, the play follows Richard, a cunning and charismatic villain, who unexpectedly schemes a path to the throne, leaving behind a trail of betrayal and bloodshed. With sharp wit and chilling determination, Richard stops at nothing to achieve ultimate power, even as the consequences close in. A thrilling drama, Richard III is one of Shakespeare’s most iconic explorations of corruption, control and the obsessive pursuit of power.
“People don’t realize how funny this play is,” A Noise Within Co-artistic Director Geoff Elliott said. “Richard is one of Shakespeare’s most darkly comic characters.”
LOCATION:
A Noise Within
3352 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
SHOWTIMES:
Previews Feb. 8 – Feb. 13
• Sunday at 2 p.m. / Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Performances Feb. 14 – March 8:
• Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7: 30 p.m. / Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.(no Saturday matinee on Feb. 14)
TICKETS:
• Tickets start at $41.75 (including fees).
• Student tickets start at $20.
• Wednesday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 12 (previews): Pay What You Choose starting at $10 (available online beginning the Monday prior to that performance)
• Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
anoisewithin.org
(626) 356-3100
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• A one-hour INsiders Discussion Group will take place prior to the matinee on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 12:30 p.m.
• Post-performance conversations with the artists every Friday (except the preview) and Sunday, Feb. 22.
• Student matinees are scheduled on select weekdays at 10:30 a.m. Interested educators should email education@anoisewithin.org.
Photo credit: Ann Noble as Richard III / Photo by Daniel Reichert