TCR brings Tony Award-winning ‘Amadeus’ back to the stage

Matthew James first heard of "Amadeus" a generation ago while attending high school thanks to his music teacher.

"She was obsessed with the movie, ‘Amadeus,’" James recalled. "She loved how it was about the art of music, and she was big on excellence and not at all about mediocrity. That left a big impression on me.“

James' music teacher would be very proud of her student since he's portraying the bitter Antonio Salieri, who seethed of jealousy over the God-given ability of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film "Amadeus" was adapted from the acclaimed Broadway production, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in1981.

"Amadeus," which will run from May 29 to June 22 at Theatre Cedar Rapids, is a dense, complex and thoroughly entertaining play, which is very challenging to deliver.

Patrick Du Laney, who is directing "Amadeus," was surprised how massive of an undertaking it is to take the acclaimed work to the stage.

"I was unprepared for how much is packed into every page," Du Laney said. "Every page has historical references. The play is written in four different languages. You want to honor who these incredible people were. It blows me away how much historical data you must take in and that every page is so protein rich. But it's also fun to work on something that is so great.

“I'm enjoying this since this is the seventh production I have with my Salieri (James). We have an ease between us, which is significant since he has taken on a juggernaut of a role. It's a good thing that we have such a relationship since this is my first time taking on 'Amadeus.' I'm glad I'm working with him since this role requires a highly skilled actor who can handle the physical and vocal demands."

James has been boning up on quite a bit of both composer's works.

"I've been listening to a lot of what they've done," James said. "Their artistic integrity is incredible. Part of what they accomplished is due to the push and pull. Out of that came their genius. Their music is amazing and so is this story."

Du Laney is thrilled that the play fell his way. TCR's Artistic Director Angie Toomsen was slated to direct.

"But due to a schedule change, Angie couldn't do it, and she offered me the opportunity to direct 'Amadeus,' and I couldn't believe my luck," Du Laney said. "I'm very excited about this production. Who wouldn't be excited about it?"

“Amadeus” is an extraordinary work in film and stage. It's emotional, amusing and powerful.

"’Amadeus’ is about so many things," Du Laney said. "It's about grief, but it's also joyful and wonderful. It's about a person's relationship with God and what that person expects from God. It's a heavy play, but it's surprising how fast and light it is as well. It also plays like a farce. Salieri's world is fascinating. It's a world he made himself. Everything is delightful. His problems are delightful. There is no play quite like 'Amadeus.'“

The classic was crafted by British playwright Peter Shaffer, who also wrote the film's screenplay. “Amadeus” has taken a number of liberties regarding historic events. However, Shaffer's scripts are uncommonly compelling, informative and entertaining.

"Why would God choose an obscene child to be His instrument?“ Salieri said. "It was not to be believed!"

Jealousy, which has existed since the beginning of humankind, plagues Salieri, who can't believe that a vile, immature Mozart effortlessly crafts brilliant music.

The extraordinary film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Makeup, Costume Design, Art Direction and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham's sublime performance as Salieri. The capper is that the movie was selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress.

“'Amadeus' is incredible," Du Laney said.