‘Richard III’ to open Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival

Director Jeffrey Combs plans to take “Richard III,” often described as Shakespeare’s “nasty comedy,” into 19th Century London. Set to open on Fri. evening, July 1, the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company’s production will star veteran actor Lane Davies as the dastardly Richard who creates a bloody path on the way to the crown.

Combs, who has starred in more than 40 films, is best known for his portrayal of Herbert West in the cult classic “Re-Animator.” With most of his film credits falling into the science fiction/horror genre, he is well practiced in the art of creating a mischievous melodrama. A former “Star Trek” character and current “4400” cast regular, Combs says he believes “Richard III” fits perfectly into that “intrigue-filled world of London in the late 1800s.”

He plans to take tragic Richard with all of his black-hearted ambitions into the time of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Frankenstein, with the feel of the “old cloak and dagger thrillers and wicked monster movies.”

Performances of “Richard III” will be on July 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23 and 24. Co-produced by the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and California Lutheran University, this year’s festival also includes performances of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” on July 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, Aug. 5, 6 and 7. The grounds will open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and pre-show entertainment, with musicians, dancing, juggling and sword-fighting demonstrations prior to the 8 p.m. curtain call. California Lutheran University is at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.