Timon of Athens

About halfway into the first act of the Public Theater’s production of Timon of Athens, I found myself thinking, “Man, why don’t more people do this Shakespeare play?” At intermission, I was pretty delighted—having a great time and looking forward to more. Then Act 2 happened and things got a wee bit wonky.

Quick plot synopsis: Timon’s a super-charitable guy who loves throwing parties and giving people gifts. But ruh-roh, turns out he’s broke, and he needs his friends to help him as he has helped them. No one does. So far, so good. Then Timon leaves Athens broke and angry, hating his false friends and the evils of money. And a pissed of military official ends up fighting against Athens, Timon finds a buried treasure, people find out he has gold and try to befriend him again, Timon continues to bluster against the world and blah, blah, blah.

The second act (which I assume is actually Acts IV and V of the play) feels terribly forced. Filled with strange coincidences, an unending whining about the terrors of money and the tyranny of me, and a seriously ugly wig, it removes the edge AND the humor that the piece had going for it, and the air slowly leaks out.

Still, I’m glad I saw this. The first act was brilliantly performed with Richard (JohnBoy) Thomas as a delightful Timon and a seamless ensemble of supporting actors. Max (Vinnie from The Wonder Years) Casella has a small but winning role as the philosopher who never wanted Timon’s gifts. Mark Nelson gave a beautiful performance as Timon’s unyieldingly dedicated servant. And a dozen or so other actors each bit into their parts with relish.

It isn’t surprising that the play is being dredged up in the years after a bad financial crisis, and it felt quite timely. And it actually works its way to a powerful and hopeful ending tableau. I know it’s Shakespeare—well, it’s purportedly Shakespeare but maybe someone else—but I really wish that someone involved had taken out the knives and chopped out much for the second act. With a bit less ridiculousness and whining, this could have been a really powerful intermissionless evening. It’s probably blasphemy to even suggest it, but ah well! Everyone makes mistakes.