California Shakespeare Theater's "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part Two" delights

By Stephanie Wright Hession
Arts and Culture Writer

Fittingly, the fog rolled in and a chill descended upon the audience during the opening night of California Shakespeare Theater's "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part Two" at the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater in Orinda. The weather set the ideal tone for this ambitious production directed by Jonathan Moscone and Sean Daniels as well as this 19th century English tale, based upon Charles Dickens' novel "Nicholas Nickleby" and adapted by David Edgar.

It's typical Dickens with the expected elements: The downtrodden at the mercy of the ruthless rich with the resulting exploitations and transgressions, issues of abandonment, redemption and hope-all with a bit of romance and humor thrown in. The drama begins with the large ensemble cast giving an ample synopsis of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part One," for those who missed it or who aren't familiar with the story.

The death of his father, who died penniless, forces Nicholas (Stephen Barker Turner), his sister Kate (Susannah Schulman) and his mother Mrs. Nickleby (Nancy Carlin) to abandon their gentile country life and head to London. There, they appeal to the mercy of their Uncle and brother-in-law Ralph Nickleby (James Carpenter). But rather than welcome them, he quickly assigns his nephew to Dotheboys Hall, a ghastly boys school where abuse abounds under the command of headmaster Mr. Squeers (Andy Murray). Uncle Ralph also dispatches his niece Kate to work in a millinery shop. In addition to dealing with the drudgery of her new position, Kate must also battle the unwanted attention of the arrogant, predatory Sir Mulberry Hawk (also portrayed by Andy Murray).

When Nicholas flees from Squeers-and the romantic overtures from Squeers' daughter Fanny (Delia MacDougall)-he brings with him Smike (Clifton Guterman), a physically deformed and horribly neglected young man. They soon join up with the Crummless family, a mirthful troupe of actors.

And it's here that "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part Two" begins, launching into one of its most delightful and effervescent scenes. Receiving a letter from his family containing grievous news, Nicholas must leave the theatrical company at once. But not before he and Smike receive a grand send off from their thespian friends. Led by Mrs. Grudden (portrayed endearingly by Joan Mankin), they launch into a rousing rendition of Stephen Oliver's "Mrs. Grudden's Farewell." The elderly-yet spirited-songstress cackles out her off key tune, as she prances about the stage doing high kicks and showing off a bit of leg.

Upon returning to London, Nicholas stops at an elegant restaurant. There, he happens to overhear a loud, boisterous Sir Mulberry Hawk boast to fellow high society gentlemen that Kate Nickleby's virtuous demeanor is a facade-and that it's simply a matter of time before she gives in to his advances. Incensed, Nicholas immediately defends his sister's honor, challenges Hawk to a fight and vows to follow him home. Hawk physically brushes Nicholas aside as he boards a carriage, rambling into the night. Will Nicholas save his sister or will Kate fall victim to Hawk's violent pursuit of her? What challenges await him, Kate and Mrs. Nickleby and will they overcome them? Only time will reveal the answers.

With its sizeable cast, including several members taking on multiple roles, California Shakespeare Theater's production of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part Two" can at times be dizzying and the intertwining story lines a challenge to keep up with. At three hours plus-with the possible need to seek refuge from the cold under a provided blanket-the production requires a serious commitment from theatergoers.

However, it serves up a hearty offering of vibrant performances with an amazing concentration of talent. Stand outs include Stephen Barker Turner who portrays Nicholas Nickleby with alternating sweetness and intensity. With his booming voice, narrowed eyes and rigid posture, James Carpenter proves frightening as the sinister Ralph Nickleby. Clifton Guterman as Smike stirs many an audience member's emotions with his tender and superb portrayal in this incredibly physically challenging role. Susannah Schulman garners empathy from the audience with her powerful performance as the noble, tormented Kate, who faces personal obstacles with determined strength.

Among the actors portraying varying roles, L. Peter Callender plays acting troupe leader Vincent Crummles with sophisticated panache. Easily slipping in and out of a variety of characters Joan Mankin plays Arthur Gride, the smarmy opportunist, to crusty perfection. Dan Hiatt is highly appealing as Newman Noggs, Ralph Nickleby's rebellious clerk, who does all he can within his limited station in life to assist Nicholas and Kate. Andy Murray, as the vile, arrogant Sir Mulberry Hawk, causes one to cringe and recoil in fear.

Costume designer Anna Oliver's wonderful period attire helps give the production its 19th century English feel. By dressing the Nicklebys in black she visually separates them from the other characters. And by creating flax-colored linen dresses and trousers for the rest of the cast, she fashions a canvas in which she adds delicately embroidered wraps, lace, rose-accented bonnets and elaborate accessories. A scene taking place in a casino where four dance hall girls exuberantly rush the stage, illustrates the visual impact of this technique. Oliver's use of red and black corsets, boas of the same hues and crimson and pale pink roses in the women's hair, create a stunning aesthetic.

The foundation of Neil Patel's understated set features two separate wooden proscenium, one with a drawn back set of red velvet curtains fringed in gold and the other plain, that efficiently serve as more than one location and space simultaneously. This produces a rich, multi-layered look such as in one scene when Mrs. Nickleby attends the opera with a motley lot of society gentlemen. While they sit on red velvet benches in the foreground, two men and a woman lip synch to a recorded opera from behind the second proscenium in the background and it's an evening at the opera.

All in all, the potent acting combined with the rare opportunity to see this engaging Dickens' novel brought wonderfully to life on stage makes California Shakespeare Theater's production of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Part One and Two" an end of the summer gem.

"The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" plays at the California Shakespeare Theater, Bruns Memorial Amphitheater, 100 Gateway Boulevard in Orinda. The schedule is as follows: Part Two through Sept. 11, Parts One and Two (back to back evenings) during Rep Week Sept. 13-16, Marathons Sept. 10, 17 and 18. Tickets range from $10 to $55. For more information call 510.548.9666 or visit www.calshakes.org. Photos by Kevin Berne.