Director Tony Estrella has taken Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning fictional play about the rivalry between 18^th century composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and created a grandiose production that should not be missed.

Steve Kidd, a talented actor who always gets to the heart and soul of any character he portrays, comic or tragic, gives a magnificent performance as Salieri.

The play opens with Salieri telling the audience that he has killed Amadeus, then retreats to the Court of Emperor Joseph II, where he holds the coveted title of Court Composer.

The court is buzzing about a new young composer who has written some less traditional music.

Enter Amadeus, a young, brash, vulgar man who manages to irritate everyone he meets.

How could this lowlife write such creative music?

Amadeus is a threat to Salieri and his supposedly secure position. While Salieri pretends to help and advise him, he secretly does everything in his power to destroy him.

The rest, as they say, is (slightly revised) history.

While Salieri (Kidd) is the central figure in the play (Why didn’t Shaffer call it “Salieri?), Michael Liebhauser’s portrayal of Amadeus is masterful, rolling around the floor, kissing cheeks, making obscene gestures, all while creating some of the most beautiful music ever written.

Welcome back to Casey Seymour Kim, a veteran R.I. actress who we haven’t seen for a while. Her portrayal of the Emperor is spot on.

The play would be worthy of your attention with the fine acting of the principals and supporting cast but is enriched tremendously by the 58 pieces of music that accompany the action.

And who better to recruit as pianist but Rhode Island’s own Judith Lynn Stillman. Not only is her musical accompaniment excellent, she also fits in beautifully with the proceedings.

Add some amazing costumes and wigs, creative lighting, and a glorious set, and you have a picture-perfect production, as we have come to expect from our Warwick theatre.

“Amadeus” plays through Dec. 1. Call 723-4266 or visit www.gammtheatre.org/amadeus for tickets before they are all gone.