THE WINTER'S TALE
GREAT LAKES THEATER
September 28-Novemer 4 (In repertoire with THE IMAGINARY INVALID)
216-241-6000 or www.greatlakestheater.org
Bob Abelman
The problem with this rendition of Shakespeare's "Problem Play" is not so much a
manifestation of the play’s structural anomalies as a series of
inconsistent creative choices made by the actors. Although this does not undo all that is
wonderful about this play and this production, it does undermine their
integrity and make the evening that much less enjoyable.
To see a full review of this show, read Bob Abelman's News-Herald article here.
Roy Berko
GLT’s THE WINTER’ TALE is a
disappointment. This is a difficult script to produce due to the many emotional
and psychological levels which require a clear staging philosophy. Due to the lack of focused directing by
Jesse Berger, the production never sets a clear course and leaves so much of
Shakespeare’s brilliance untapped.
To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.Fran Heller'
Director Jesse Berger's playful imagination and vision yield a beautifully conceived production that endeavors to make the convoluted plot of "The Winter's Tale" more accessible by blending the play's disparate elements and clumsy construction into a well-told tale bearing all the elements of good storytelling. Still, the uneasy mix of comedy and tragedy remains problematic.
To see a full review of this show, read Fran Heller's review at the Cleveland Jewish News
Christine Howey
Welcome to the fractured world of this Shakespearean “problem” play, where magical thinking and mystical happenings rule the day. And while there are definite pleasures to be had in this production, director Jesse Berger hangs first-time observers of this confusing play out to dry.
To see a full review of this show, read Christine Howey's blog Rave and Pan
Andrea Simakis
Structurally, "The Winter's Tale," first printed in the folio of 1623 and grouped with the Bard's comedies, is two plays in one: a tragedy with a pastoral spliced on the end. That dual nature makes it something of a challenge to direct, like a shrink having to deal with a patient who is weeping and raging one moment, giggling and dancing the next.
To see a full review of this show link to
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/10/great_lakes_theaters_the_winte.html
Structurally, "The Winter's Tale," first printed in the folio of 1623 and grouped with the Bard's comedies, is two plays in one: a tragedy with a pastoral spliced on the end. That dual nature makes it something of a challenge to direct, like a shrink having to deal with a patient who is weeping and raging one moment, giggling and dancing the next.
To see a full review of this show link to
http://www.cleveland.com/onstage/index.ssf/2012/10/great_lakes_theaters_the_winte.html
Art Thomas
Creative ideas in design and staging are minimized by shortcomings. These include huge hunks of unintelligible dialogue in Bohemia, and a melodramatic Leontes in Sicily who goes over-the-top from line one.
Click here to read the complete review at WestLife
