URI Theatre Department's first show of 2020 is "Richard III" by William Shakespeare. “Richard III” is a historical play by Shakespeare written in 1592 and is his second longest play after “Hamlet.” It depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and the subsequent short reign of Richard III of England from 1483 to 1485. He had a glimmer of evil about himself that led him to do unspeakable harm to others, including women and children that happened to get in his way. Richard would convince people to do his bidding. Before having them offed, he'd flatter and woo them as well as manipulate and connive people to attain his nefarious goal of becoming the king.

Joe and Josh Short are the co-directors for this splendid Shakespearian tale of a man who would do anything to attain power while stepping on people and having them disposed of in any underhanded manner possible. Both Joe and Josh had strong theatre training at URI, having appeared in many shows here during their college days. They shorten the show to an energetic and fast paced 90-minute one act with 15 performers playing multiple roles. They make it more understandable and enjoyable for the entire audience from start to finish.

Richard III was the last king of his lineage at the end of the War of Roses when the Tudors ascended to the throne and who were in power when Shakespeare wrote this show. Joe and Josh have a keen eye into this show and the Shakespearean world of the past and obtain strong performances from their college performers. They add contemporary music during the death scenes, which frightens you.

Commanding the stage as the egotistical and maniacal Ricard III is Matthew Oxley. He oozes venom as this despicable man. He flatters the person and then betrays them the minute they leave his presence. Richard's body count seems endless, including his brother, his cousin, his wife, his mother, his nephews and so on. Matthew delivers his lines flawlessly.

The other performers are strong in their roles, too. His right hand man and cousin, Buckingham, is excellently played by Lily Ferreira. Her authoritative voice and bearing fits the part perfectly. The assorted women he abuses along the way include his very own mother, Duchess of York, his wife, Lady Anne, and his dead brother, Edward IV's wife Queen Elizabeth. Mary Mullane delivers the goods as his mother who curses him at causing the death of her two sons and her two grandchildren. Erin McGowan is also strong as Lady Anne, who at first berates him for her first husband's death but eventually falls under his evil spell. Lorraine Guerra is very impressive as Elizabeth, who is very upset at the death of her husband, Edward IV, and her two children. These three women run the gamut of emotions in their roles.

Richard's cruelty tugs your heartstrings when Clarence, his brother, pleads for his life as well as the scene with his two nephews who he has murdered to obtain the throne. Magenta Kolakowski plays the hapless Clarence, while young Paige Barlow plays the Young Prince. Conor Delaney plays the heroic Richmond, who finally defeats Richard after his “kingdom for a horse" speech. He not only plays this role but several smaller comic roles with a funny high pitch voice in the comic ones.

So for a look back at this cautionary tale that could be ripped out of current day headlines about those in power abusing their authority, although not as severe as Richard did, be sure to catch "Richard III" at URI to witness sensational acting and direction.

“Richard III” is at theURI Theatre, J Studio Theatre, Upper College Road, Kingston, through March 1. Call 874-5843 or visit web.uri.edu/theatre.