Article: REVIEW; Rep stages powerful King Lear' despite drama over casting; With Baker injured and out of dream role, actors shift their assignments, excel

Two Shakespearean dramas opened the Milwaukee Repertory Theater 2006-'07 season Friday night.

"King Lear," one of the Bard's most epic and soul-stirring works, thundered across the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater stage for three engrossing hours. That was the drama that has been scheduled since the Rep announced its new season last March.

But midway through the rehearsal process for "Lear," another story of Shakespearean dimensions suddenly appeared. Rep artistic director Joseph Hanreddy had selected "King Lear" in part to give veteran company actor Jim Baker the opportunity to play the title character, one of the great roles in Western stage literature. Every leading man dreams of being cast ...

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