The timeless Pericles tale has it all: love that prevails over death, resurrection, jealousy, intrigue, rescuing a virtuous maiden from debauchery — a reminder that sex trafficking is as old as time, as is incest, also alluded to here — and princely fortitude in surmounting constant treachery. Shakespeare shakes out all the hefty human themes, includes a narrator who ties the various locales and multiple characters together, and ends the play with a touching resolution that love can conquer all, even though it may take a while and cross generations. Scattered over time and geographical regions, the tale is often tucked along the periphery of the canon as “attributed” to Shakespeare and possibly other writers. Lumina Studio Theatre tackles the play’s many moving parts with ease, navigating through shipwrecks, love, loss, and rejuvenations sprinkled with laughter, humorous touches, and eventual reunions.
The performers portray their various characters with zest and zeal. Keith Anderson is particularly effective as the title character, who gets through life’s travails with a wholesome stride and emotional integrity. Anderson is nicely paired with Dre Weeks as Thaisa, the enduring wife who supposedly dies in childbirth and whose lifeless body is encased and thrown into the sea. Pericles is bereft with grief and loss but sails along through the years, and thanks to a stranger’s mystical healing powers, reunites with both his beloved wife and daughter. The next generation of couples is also portrayed by an effective pairing of Aziza Afzal as lovingly innocent Marina and Dana Cook as the nobleman who recognizes her virtue and unknowingly reunites the family. Kelly Newman O’Connor is steadfast as the narrator/chorus who can snap into alternate characters in a blink. The ensemble moves seamlessly through the ages and locales with choreographed patches of swashbuckling fights, dances, and even jousting, thanks to the winning direction by Kelly, John O’Connor, and David Minton.
Projections by Ron Murphy and videography by Liz Porter tell the various stories and the locations with maps projected on the back wall depicting a total of five kingdoms with regal Greek columns and landscapes. Sound design, also by Murphy, covers the gamut of ancient musical interludes and sound effects of cackling thunder and shipwrecking storms. Costumes by Kelly Newman O’Connor are a marvel of brocaded glittering robes with large swaths of cloth wrappings for the regals, while the starving famine victims bundle in threadbare coverings. Lighting designer Hailey LaRoe bathes the set in hues of blue for the ocean and angry reddish blotches for the various stormy upheavals.
Catching Lumina Theatre is always a good time, but this production is particularly poignant to see director emeritus David Minton back on stage, hitting the boards with glee. He’s usually backstage directing and is part of a directing trio for this one. I’ve watched his shows for years, but this is a rare treat to enjoy his twinkling spirit bouncing and chuckling along with vigor as part of the ensemble of fun characters with everyone enjoying the gift of theater. As co-executive director Sophie Cameron said in a recent interview, “Everybody needs theater, and the stage is the best teacher.”
That’s the wonder of Lumina Theatre — they exude a freshness, discovery, and exuberance for all aspects of performance and theater that bring everything to life. The fascinating origin story helps explain the group’s unique approach — it was founded in Brooklyn, New York, in 1995, built on the belief “that young actors can perform brilliantly using the classics in imaginative ways; that actors and audiences can grow from barrier-free, intergenerational performances; and that theater discipline and creativity are soul mates that belong to the entire community.” The group moved to Takoma Park, Maryland, in 1997 and has been a marvel of superb family theater offerings ever since. As described in the program, “Lumina Theatre Group is a jolly band of community members composed of alumni, the families of alumni and friends to Lumina new and old, who love to perform together.” And it shows. While the young people are showcased twice annually in spring and fall, this is the first fully staged adult production, since 2018. Here’s hoping Pericles is a sign of resurgence for plenty more Lumina Studio Theatre offerings to join the young people’s mainstage shows for years to come.
Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Pericles plays October 3 and 4, 2025, presented by Lumina Studio Theatre’s Lumina Theatre Group, performing at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD. Tickets ($12–$18, general seating) may be purchased online, by calling (301) 565-2281, or by emailing office@luminastudio.org.
Pericles
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Kelly Newman O’Connor, John O’Connor, and David Minton
CAST
Kelly Newsman O’Connor, Ian Fore, Grace Sperber-Whyte, Dana Cook, Keith Anderson, Kit Newman, Liz Porter, Aziza Afzal, Ritchie Porter, Dre Weeks, David Minton, John O’Connor
PRODUCTION TEAM
Costume Design: Kelly Newman O’Connor
Lighting Designer: Hailey LaRoe
Sound and Projection Design: Ron Murphy
Original Song: Dre Weeks
Show Artwork: Cynthia Friedman
Videography: Liz PorterProduction Managers: Sophie Cameron & Meg Lebow
COVID Safety: Masks are encouraged but optional.
