The character Imogen (Sarah Sokolovic) is said to be one of Shakespeare’s best written female characters, if not one of the best written ever. Sokolovic plays her part with spot-on elegance and easy-to-follow line delivery (this is Shakespeare, remember?).

Everyone knows that William Shakespeare is your favorite writer. It’s OK, it’ll be our little secret.

But if you are having trouble grasping one of his not-so-well-known plays, “Cymbeline,” then you’re in luck. Milwaukee Shakespeare is putting on its version of the play through April 20, 2008.

“Cymbeline” is the story of a kingdom in disarray. King Cymbeline has banished his daughter Imogen’s husband Posthumus for being a mere gentleman, not a lord or an aristocrat. On top of this, Cymbeline is married to a deceptive queen and has a buffoon for a stepson named Cloten (the play’s comic relief). Cloten and the queen convince Cymbeline to not pay tribute to Rome, which insights war, and Posthumus thinks Imogen has been unfaithful.

Oh, and 20 years ago his two real sons were taken by a man unfairly banished, who later come across Imogen dressed as a man. Sound a little confusing? Well, it is. But watching the play makes it easy to follow, as the players plainly lay the story out for you.

If you go to the Broadway Theater Center (158 N. Broadway) in the Third Ward, you will first be surprised by the size of the place. It is small, almost claustrophobic. I sat there thinking, “How are they going to pull this off?” As it turned out, with style, grace and hilarious moments staged by the actors.

Cloten (Joe Foust) easily steals the show every time he is on stage. His pretentious swagger and bawdy, over-the-top actions make the play more of a comedy than it really is, a welcome addition to the muddled and confusing plot.

The character Imogen (Sarah Sokolovic) is said to be one of Shakespeare’s best written female characters, if not one of the best written ever. Sokolovic plays her part with spot-on elegance and easy-to-follow line delivery (this is Shakespeare, remember?). Her interactions with Cloten when he tries to woo her are priceless, and her voicing of her feelings for Posthumus are the heart-tugging parts of the play.

The lighting in the play is superb to the point of near perfection. By changing the lighting just ever-so, they successfully achieve around five different atmospheres and scenes. Their lack of space limits prop use, but a giant golden curtain plays a major role in scene changes and complex metaphors. Look for it in the play if you go.

With few props, subtle lighting techniques and a small play space, Milwaukee Shakespeare has taken one of Shakespeare’s forgettable plays and turned in into one of the more memorable ones.

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