The month of May brought many exciting things for the theater world, and for RiffRaff NYC they brought an exceptional evening of sonnet performances. Packed onto a roof top with sunsets, views and Shakespeare, Sunset Sonnets became an evening unlike any other. You would be hard pressed to find an ambiance quiet like it. Thinking nothing could beat a sunset peaking through New York’s gorgeous buildings, yet the performances managed to surpass even this most beautiful sight.
Shakespeare Sonnet Showcase is a mesmerizing journey into the genius of one of the greatest poets in the English language. As an ardent lover of literature, I was captivated from the very first line and held spellbound until the final couplet.
Hosted by Joe Staton, Amandalyn Mclellan, Dorothea Gloria and Mila Besson, Sunset Sonnets was an unforgettable evening. This event made me excited of what is to come from this company, and these talented actors. RiffRaff NYC is making a name for itself in New York City by bringing the best fresh faced talents from all across the globe into the limelight that they deserve.
With planned works of a Midsummer Nights Dream headed to the stage this Fall, any taster we can get from this company are always welcome.
One of the standout performances was British actress Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, who recited sonnet 140, a darker sonnet about loves deceit and manipulation. Her performance was full of charisma and dry British humor, which elevated the emotions from the written word. With a smile on her face from the very top, she transported us with the trials and tribulations of loving someone who doesn’t love you back, and the darkness that brings. Kendler-Rhodes brought her unique vulnerability to the performance and left an unforgettable impression.
Mila Besson who was one of the hosts for the evening also proved herself not just as a host but also a performer. Delivering a beautiful reciting of sonnet 116, and bringing a romantic air to the evening and with her French charm, nothing could be more fitting. Her inviting aura was a brilliant opening to the evening, and you were captivated from start to finish.
Claudia Conte-Buenrostro Also made a surprise appearance that night, taking time from her rehearsals for the play Knock Knock, performed at the Flea and also featuring Joe Staton as co-leads. Her welcomed presence brought the evening to a close with an impressive performance of sonnet 33, closing the golden hour with a sonnet all about healing from Love’s betrayal – a delightful and meaningful close to an exceptional evening.
In truth, all of the talent brought their own spin and characters in their telling of some of Shakespeare’s less performed work. Everyone’s talent shone, and the evening was very enjoyable, especially with the funny Joe Staton playing the M.C. for the evening, where he was an excellent and welcoming host for the delightful evening.
The production’s brilliance lies not only in the timeless beauty of Shakespeare’s words, but also in the masterful delivery by the actors. Each sonnet is brought to life with a depth of emotion and clarity that allows the audience to truly connect with the profound themes of love, mortality, and the passage of time.
Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of Shakespeare or someone new to his work, Shakespeare Sonnet Showcase was an experience not to be missed. A celebration of the enduring power of language, and a testament to the timeless relevance of one of history’s greatest poets.
