CNY Playhouse bids adieu to founder Dustin Czarny with a hilarious ‘Shakespeare in Love’

By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

CNY Playhouse’s ongoing production of “Shakespeare in Love” is a spectacle in every sense of the word. Its utilitarian set settles the eye with stern angles while allowing set changes to be smoothly achieved. The Elizabethan costumes sparkle with paisley and feathers and silver and gold, constricting corsets and oversized berets, and its varied cast members represent characters ranging from dissolute drunkards to scheming artistes, from high-born merchants to members of royalty. 

The play-within-a-play by British scribe Lee Hall – based on the 1996 Tom Stoppard/Marc Norman movie – boasts literary cheekiness, plenty of romance, mistaken identities, deception and spirited action scenes such as sword fights, fisticuffs, courtly dancing, dagger-flashing and a white wedding. 

Besides being a spectacle, this “Shakespeare in Love” is also a swan song for CNY Playhouse artistic director and founder Dustin Czarny. Active in local theater for the past quarter century, Czarny works a day job as Onondaga County’s Democratic Elections Commissioner, and because his role as a statewide advocate for elections is expanding, he’s retiring from the box office in favor of the ballot-box.

While helming CNY Playhouse, Czarny acted in 41 productions, produced more than 100 shows and directed 31 productions, including this one.

Blocking and pacing a massive cast of 30 players – including a frisky dog – is no mean feat, but Czarny makes it look easy. Under his sure-handed guidance, the cast tells the convoluted story of young William Shakespeare (portrayed by red-bearded Jeremiah Thompson) indebted to two demanding producers (Czarny as Henslowe and Josh Taylor as Burbage) and tormented by writer’s block until he meets the lovely Viola de Lesseps (dark-haired Bella Lupia), whose passion for poetry and drama leaves her longing to be an actor. 

But they soon learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex (a menacing Zach Gray) in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – “Romeo and Juliet.” With opening night – and the wedding day – swiftly approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion.   

Along the way, stellar performances are delivered by all. Bella Lupia is absolutely captivating as Viola, while Thompson’s Shakespeare is simultaneously pathetic and pleasant, a likable chap if ever there was one. Chris Toia manages to steal several scenes as Will’s friend and colleague, Christopher Marlowe, and Jennie Russo similarly rises to several occasions as Viola’s ever-attentive nurse.

A handful of supporting players do their parts as well, including Jim Magnarelli, Josh Taylor, John Bracket, Christopher Lupia, Phil Brady and Cameron Brown. As the stuttering actor, Wabash, David Forest Hitchcock makes a surprising transformation in Act 2, while Marcia Mele regally embodies Queen Elizabeth I in both acts.

Actress Whitney Tenney Pak made a priceless contribution to the play’s ambiance with her wordless vocalizing of old Celtic melodies reworked by composer Paddy Cunneen.

Czarny’s own convincing turn as Henslowe has art imitating life as the CNY Playhouse boss portrays a beleaguered theater owner trying to mount a production and keep his showplace open against all odds. And sharing in his swan song are his wife, Heather Czarny, as Molly, and his son, Grant Czarny, as the precocious actor, Webster.

In his director’s note, Dustin Czarny explained the spell that theater has cast over him. “Theater will always be a place, not to escape our real lives,” he wrote, “but enhance and grow and become fulfilled.” Amen.

“Shakespeare in Love,” produced by Patricia Catchouny, runs at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20, 21 and 22, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, and at 8 p.m. Feb. 27, 28 and 29, at CNY Playhouse, located near the Macy’s entrance at on the second level of ShoppingTown Mall, in DeWitt. Tickets cost $20 on Thursday and Sunday and $22 on Friday and Saturday; cnyplayhouse.org; 315-885-8960.