Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead, but you probably don’t even care.
Playwright Tom Stoppard has given these two minor characters from arguably William Shakespeare’s greatest play, “Hamlet”, a stage of their own to argue about destiny, fate, life, death, to be and not to be.
Director Anthony Galleran brings Stoppard’s 1966 play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” to the Hunger Artists Theater in Fullerton and made the production seem larger than it actually is. The theater, a dinky place, expanded with visual simplicity and heavy themes. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern debuted their actual feelings toward the great tragic hero, Hamlet, who weaved in and out of the scenes and seamlessly displayed his own story to the abysmal few who have to yet to read it.
Yes, Hamlet is a great character. And yes, he is a hard one to play. Ryan Knight, playing Hamlet, did not have much to work with: a few scenes spliced in with out of context emotions and an abnormally long time to hide in a box. To be frank, Knight was a fine Hamlet. And his cohorts represented the other well-known characters just as well, although the audience failed to laugh or snigger at Claudius’ contrived funny moments. But whenever the famous story got stage time, even the snippets seemed too long. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were the only characters to care about.
It wasn’t just their comedy, which was rapid yet perfectly timed. It wasn’t just their soliloquies on destiny, which carried out nicely and were always welcome. The best part about watching those two was their relationship.
Topher Mauerhan, as Rosencrantz, was dumb, but in the most perfect amount. He did not overdo it, as so many actors tend to do when playing the idiot. He was vulnerable and loveable and laughable all at the same time. Though his character was an absolute dunce, Mauerhan did not let Rosencrantz die as one. His monologue was honest and his dialogues were thoughtful, a fine example of a character who is the source of unexpected truths: “What’s the point of living if you’re not happy?”
But it was Guildenstern, played by Gregory Spradlin, who illuminated his relationship with Rosencrantz. Spradlin could have ignored Maurehan’s silliness and denseness. Instead, he was patient. They are together in this little quest to unveil the source of Hamlet’s curious behavior. When they realize they are on a much larger, cosmological quest and must ask the hard questions, Guildenstern does not lash out at his dimmer friend’s inability to keep up. They share an understanding and Guildenstern’s restraint and visible annoyance is endearing. It seemed the two had been friends for ages.
Spradlin, noticeably present on stage, had a remarkable voice. It’s rare to find an actor these days whose voice is the thing you remember. But there was something about the way he controlled it and still let emotion come through.
Another character worth mentioning is The Player, played by Mark Coyan, a man who was probably born to entertain. He was big and engaging and led his sorry squad well. Only the audience did not seem to appreciate his or any other actor’s energy—this is the same audience that doesn’t find scene change applause part of their own fate. The lack of energy from the seats, though, was made up for on the stage. Again, Galleran knew how to make the most of his space.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”, which had nearly no plot, was an interesting spin-off and offers an opportunity to ask earnest questions. The Hunger Artists Theater’s rendition did more to emphasize the relationships of those asking. While their word games and Abbott and Costello rapidity were fun, neither Rosencrantz nor Guildenstern would have come to any conclusion without being alongside the other. Guildenstern’s simple look at the blacked out Rosencrantz said more than their monologues ever could have.
You might not care that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have met their fate; but their journey to it is what will make you think and care about your own.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead runs Aug. 27th – Sep. 19th 2010
Fri. & Sat. – 8:00 pm
Sun. – 7:00 pm
General Admission: $18
Students/Seniors (with ID): $15
Images courtesy of the Hunger Artists Theater
Showcasing up and coming talents, RAW Natural Born Artists is on a mission to keep your community connected to local, independent artists in all creative disciplines. So what exactly is RAW Natural Born Artists? I’m glad you asked. It is a collective movement started by Southern California’s own Heidi Luerra. The RAW team assembles and promotes artists through their online community as well as through their monthly events. Their site features artists’ profiles, making it easier for you to get to know them and what they do. Hosting four cites which currently include Los Angeles, Fullerton, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, RAW is able to freely promote Southern Californian artists to a waiting audience.
Most people who frequent downtown Fullerton have probably been past the 
I stopped by to meet Michellee and sample some teas. Michellee gave me a short tour, explaining each area. Near the front, under the menu, is a wall of carefully labeled teas in small jars, so that customers can see, smell and explore the teas on their own. The large selection makes this a must. Next to that, against the front window is a full wall of tea-related gifts.The theme of the space is definitely modern and urban but the natural touches, such as the incredible, suspended wood ceiling, and bright orchids scattered throughout, make it warm and inviting at the same time. The art on the walls belongs to local artists and I’m told it will be changing monthly. It’s important to the owners to support local artists and the 
The menu boasts over 85 different varieties of loose teas, sandwiches, salads and heavenly desserts. I was able to sample Road to Hana Rooibos and Mauna Loa Green. They offer all teas both iced and hot. The iced is refreshing (and not watered down at all!) but the hot tea comes with the added bonus of the presentation. They steep it tableside and even return at the right time to remove the loose tea and pour you a cup. Unfortunately, on this visit, I was unable to sample much of the food. But I did try some macaroons. They have 12 varieties to choose from, and I tried Raspberry, Pecan Caramel and Cappuccino flavors. They were so rich and delicate. And the presentation was fresh and simple. It’s clear that somebody knows their pastries.
Memorial Day is coming up, and while you may be planning to stay home and rest with friends and family, some of us are putting on art events that question the very nature of art and how it functions. Why so deep for a Monday you ask? Well there are just some people in Orange County that cannot and will not rest till they let you know that choosing based off of looks can be a gamble, and when you say “I’ll have what he’s having!” you could be getting more than what you expected.
