Ambition takes center stage at A Noise Within this winter as director Guillermo Cienfuegos returns to the company with a fast-paced, darkly entertaining reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Richard III. Set in 1970s Britain and led by Ann Noble as the notorious schemer audiences love to hate, the production runs February 14 through March 8, with low-priced previews beginning February 8.
Cienfuegos brings a cinematic, high-energy lens to the history play, reframing Richard’s ruthless rise to power with the grit and swagger of a Scorsese or Tarantino film. “Richard III is the original Game of Thrones,” Cienfuegos said. “This production will move like a freight train. A short recap at the start will help audiences dive directly into Richard’s unrelenting pursuit of the crown.”
Charismatic, manipulative, and monstrously ambitious, Richard eliminates anyone in his way—through persuasion, seduction, or murder—winning over the audience even as his crimes intensify. “People don’t realize how funny this play is,” added co-artistic director Geoff Elliott. “Richard is one of Shakespeare’s most darkly comic characters.”
Joining Noble on stage are Lynn Robert Berg (Buckingham), Lesley Fera (Queen Elizabeth), Neill Fleming (King Edward IV), Samuel Garnett (Hastings), Wesley Guimarães (Richmond), Veralyn Jones (Duchess of York), Trisha Miller (Queen Margaret), Alex Neher (Rivers), Tony Pasqualini (Stanley), Erika Soto (Lady Anne), and Randolph Thompson (Clarence), along with ensemble members Brendan Burgos, Vic Crusaos, Dominick Jaramillo, Micah Lanfer, and Sean Umeda.
The creative team includes Angela Balogh Calin (scenic design), Ken Booth (lighting), Christopher Moscatiello (sound), Nick Santiago (projections), Christine Cover Ferro (costumes), Tony Valdés (wig and makeup), and Stephen Taylor (properties). Jonathan Rider serves as fight choreographer; Andrea Odinov, dialect coach; and Dr. Miranda Johnson-Haddad, dramaturg. Sami Hansen is production stage manager with Hope Matthews as assistant stage manager.
A Noise Within—celebrated by the Los Angeles Times as “an oasis for those who love classic stories”—continues its mission to produce world-class theater while expanding community engagement and educational programming at its 324-seat Pasadena venue.
Performance Schedule
Previews:
- Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.
- Feb. 11–13 at 7:30 p.m.
Performances (Feb. 14 – Mar. 8):
- Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays & Sundays: 2 p.m.
(No Saturday matinee on Feb. 14)
Talkbacks & Special Events
- INsiders Discussion Group: Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m.
- Post-show conversations: Every Friday (except previews) and Sunday, Feb. 22
- Student Matinees: Select weekdays at 10:30 a.m. (email [email protected])
Tickets
- Start at $41.75 (including fees)
- Student tickets from $20
- Pay What You Choose Previews: Feb. 11 & 12 (starting at $10; available online the Monday prior)
- Discounts available for groups of 10+
A Noise Within is located at 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
Recommended for ages 14 and up.
For tickets and information, visit anoisewithin.org or call (626) 356-3100.
