Word: pizarro
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Ducey holds up admirably throughout the production. He is a thoroughly human Pizarro--cynical, yet not a stranger to hope. He is authoritative but quick to praise his men. And Ducey successfully captures the complex contradictions inherent in his character--while Pizarro has genuine respect and love for the Incan god incarnate, Atahuallpa, he is aware of his duty to the Spanish crown and church...
Royal Hunt of the Sun, directed by Jeremy Blumenthal, depicts the adventures of the Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and his men as they attempt to conquer 16th century Peru, subdue the Incas, procure tons of gold and use the word "pissin'" as often as possible. Unfortunately, the quagmire of prejudice, greed and indecision in which Pizarro and his men find themselves is not engaging enough to entice the audience. This production is interminable...
Given the problems inherent in the subject matter coupled with a largely indistinguishable ensemble cast, the talented performances offered by John Ducey as Pizarro and Peter Mitchell in the role of Hernando De Soto are unexpected gems. These two stand alone among their 20 or so comrades as actors who can captivate the audience...
...telling intonation and facial expressions results in a performance that is brilliantly frank. Mitchell's rapport with the audience is enhanced by the fact that his character often mirrors what the audience is feeling--near the end of the first act, De Soto falls asleep during one of Pizarro's characteristically lengthy soliloquies...
Ducey's strong performance detracts from the presence of Pizarro's intended foil--his idealistic young apprentice, Martin Ruiz. This is actually a good thing since Ruiz's character is generally weak. We are supposed to view the action through the eyes of Pizarro's young apprentice, but Ruiz is too dull to wrest the audience's attention from the veteran explorer...