NEW MILFORD — Long before HBO’s Succession or Fox’s Empire, the mother (or father in this case) of all family dramas was William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of King Lear.

Family dynamics, madness, and injustice reign supreme in this gripping and fast paced new production of the classic play currently being presented by TheatreWorks New Milford. Directed and adapted by Shakespearean expert Jane Farnol, this version, simply called King Lear, cuts out all the fat and makes this story and its language accessible to modern day audiences.

King Lear tells the story of an aging and rapidly declining English king who divides his kingdom for his daughters to inherit based on their declarations of loyalty and love for him. Two of his daughters, Goneril and Regan, choose to play his twisted game, while a third, Cordelia, does not. Goneril and Regan eventually turn on him and he is left alone as his faculties begin to diminish.

If that wasn’t enough drama for one night, a subplot arises focusing on the Earl of Gloucester and his two sons (one illegitimate) and their struggle to steal power from their father. In the end, nobody gets what they want and most of Shakespeare’s characters are left for dead. It is a tragedy, after all.

Farnol has done a spectacular job with this piece, bringing its powerful and timely message to the local stage. The simple yet perfect set is used to maximum effectiveness and helps bring the focus to Shakespeare’s words.

Veteran and stalwart actor Mark Feltch brings the titular King Lear to life with both intensity and great empathy. His performance keeps the audience engaged and eventually breaks their hearts.

Feltch can always be counted on for a powerful and stirring performance, and this is no exception. His King Lear is one not to miss.

As Lear’s three daughters, Vicki Sosbe (Goneril), Erin Homberg (Regan), and Abi Heydenburg (Cordelia) are forces to behold. Sosbe and Homberg play the wicked and villainous sisters with exacting perfection, while Heydenburg brings a lovely earnestness, a nice break from all the scheming and betrayal.

Michael R. Briney as Gloucester is compelling and interesting to watch. As his sons, Thomas Ovitt and David Regalman are a delight to watch. They get an electrifying and impressive sword fight near the end of the show that is a highlight. Kudos to Adam Battelsten for his fight choreography.

The cast is expansive as it is such an epic play, so it would be difficult to mention everyone. A few other standouts include Todd Santa Maria as the Fool, Sean Gorman as the Earl of Kent, and Sam Everett as Oswald. Each gives a very strong performance.

This is an ensemble piece and there is not one weak link in the production. Every person holds their own and brings a deep understanding to Shakespeare’s notoriously difficult language.

Acting aside, a major standout of this production is Becca Lynn’s beautiful costumes. Each one is unique and specific in its design, helping to maintain a visually exciting production.

Shakespeare plays can sometimes feel like a chore to see on stage, but this sensational production is one not to miss.

Performances continue to May 23 at Theatreworks New Milford. Tickets and more info can be found at theatreworks.us.