“…old men have grey beards…”

Charles M. Howell IV as Polonius

Charles M. Howell IV as Polonius

When the director suggested that Charlie grow a beard for his part as Polonius, he was no doubt thinking of Hamlet’s remarks to his father about the book he is reading: Slanders, sir; for the satirical rogue says here that old men have grey beards, that their faces are wrinkled, their eyes purging thick amber and plum-tree gum, and that they have a plentiful lack of wit, together with most weak hams; all which, sir, though I most powerfully and potently believe, yet I hold it not honesty to have it thus set down, for yourself, sir, shall grow old as I am, if like a crab you could go backward.

Charlie in Dickensian Mode

Charlie in Dickensian Mode

It is the response by Polonius Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t. that gives rise to the familiar “method in his madness” phrase we’ve all heard and, no doubt, repeated ourselves. But, for the purposes of the play, Hamlet’s description of old men gives rise to the portrayal of Polonius with a beard.

Charlie had three weeks to give it a try and I see by the photograph he posted on FaceBook yesterday that he has done very well. Not long, only a little gray (at least that is visible here) but, forsooth, a beard! Although Charlie has sported a mustache in the past, and has been adorned with muttonchops and other facial-hair-not-his-own for various roles, this is the first time I’ve seen him with his very own beard. I think I like it! But then, I always have had a soft spot for men with whiskers.

The play opens tonight at 8:00 at the Archway Theatre in Los Angeles. Break a leg, Charlie!

One Response to ““…old men have grey beards…””

  1. Claudette Ferriter says:

    Charlie looks great!

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