Directed by Kevin G. It also qualifies as a family tragedy, a comedy of mistaken identities, and, by the end, a Disney-like, family fairy tale. Director Kevin Coleman insisted on Mr. Epstein for the lead role of Leontes, king of Sicilia, and what moments of theatrical brilliance there were in this production largely belong to Epstein, who finds myriad compelling ways to show both jealous fury and bottomless grief on his face.
All of this happens in the opening act when Leontes sees his very pregnant wife, Queen Hermione Elizabeth Aspenlieder in conversation with his boyhood friend, Polixenes, King of Bohemia played by the scene-stealing Johnny Lee Davenport. The latter understandably flees, aided by Camillo, who had been ordered to poison him.
Leontes, still insane with jealousy, has his wife imprisoned on grounds of adultery and treason yes, treason. The baby, a girl, is born and handed to Leontes, who orders what he considers an illegitimate child banished to a faraway kingdom.
A trial ensues, with Leontes the sole judge. Rejecting the Oracle of Apollo, which had declared his wife guiltless, Leontes idiotically declares his wife guilty. After hearing their son has just died, Hermione collapsesβwhat are her other options?
Leontes is horror-stricken by what he has done and he promises to spend the rest of his life in mourning. And who can blame him? Elizabeth Aspenlieder as Hermione is a quiet-spoken beauty, who radiates sincerity and loyalty.
