There’s something weird in the Kingdom of Disneare! King William has been overthrown by some very familiar-looking evildoers, and the scheming Richard (Joshuah Patriarco) sees an opportunity to seize the throne. Sounds like Richard III, and it is, but in a dazzling new form. Richard III: A Twisted Fairytale brings classic Disney characters to the famed historical, making for an incredibly entertaining theatre experience. Devised by the Epiphany Shakespeare Company, the team who brought us last year’s compelling Hamlet/Batman hybrid Hamlet: The Clown Prince, the production is an ingenious mash-up that works better than anyone could have anticipated. It can be enjoyed on many levels and by all demographics, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the children in the audience (many of whom were in costume). Shakespeare’s original text is mostly intact, but accompanied by the fairy tale aspects of traditional Disney and the colorful over-the-top characters that go with it. The story is introduced and narrated by Sir Jiminy (Andrew Austin), the “Conscience of the Kingdom”. Patriarco’s Richard starts out traditional and transforms into “Malevolent” (Maleficent); hero Clarence (Rommell Sermons) becomes Prince “Phil”; Queen Elizabeth (Mikelle Terson) is the Evil Queen; Lady Anne (Samantha Mileski), who talks to the chirping animals of the forest, becomes Sleeping Beauty, with some beautifully sung songs from Mileski along the way; and Thomas Annunziatta is Buckingham, who resembles a certain Royal Vizier, complete with snarky parrot on his shoulder. The costuming by Mileski (who also oversaw makeup and special effects), are letter-perfect, with every famed Disney character instantly recognizable, down to the tentacles of “Ursul The Sea Dog” James Hammill. Edward Gibbons-Brown does a hilarious turn both as King Edward and a certain honey-loving golden bear; and we also get the Dutchess of Deville (Shannon Rivoli), complete with Dalmatian fur coat and toy puppy. (With all the larger-than-life Disney characters, the famous scene of Richard being haunted by his victims is a particular sight to behold in this iteration.)

For the final performance of the initial run, Antares Puentevella took on the role of Peter Pan (the one “Prince in the Tower” instead of two), in his professional NYC stage debut. Puentevella is the son of ATA Executive Director Jessica Jennings and grandson of legendary ATA founder James Jennings and Jane Culley, and he sparkled in the role of the boy who won’t grow up. His sword battle with “Lord” Hook (Zorich Lequidre—AKA Captain Zorich), realized in the rafters of the John Cullum Theatre, was an absolute highlight, further lifted by Puentevella’s exuberance and Lequidre’s classic campy villainy.

Other pop culture references provide very funny Easter eggs, including lines from The Godfather and Richard’s fitting (and even poignant) a cappella rendition of “Behind Blue Eyes”.

Stylishly written and directed by Patriarco, and overseen by the production team of John Rivoli (SpongeBob SquarePants), Jake Minter, Terry Prideaux and Liam Riordan, this is an incredibly clever and creative production, with lots of enjoyment for Shakespearean fans. Plus terrific Disney flourishes and comedic moments for kids of all ages. It all comes together to make Richard III: A Twisted Fairytale a must-see when it returns to the stage.