Sunday, April 19, 2009

First Review Snippet, "Midsummer"

"I took in Richmond Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which basically had me laughing until I was crying. I have a new person to envy and that’s the husband of Stacie Reardon Hall. This is a production where everything is set to 11, including the sensuality part and, if Mrs. Hall brings even half of the lusty energy she shows on the stage home with her, well, Oh My, Mr. Hall must be a happy man." - David Timberline, RichmondVATheater.blogspot.com

Have you read or seen any blog postings about 'Midsummer!?' Send them to us! info@richmondshakespeare.com

1 comment:

Frank Creasy said...

GREAT production, guys! I came mainly to support my friends...with two prior productions under my belt in the last five years (not counting a recent staged reading, making it three), I wasn't all that excited about seeing a show that had grown a bit tiresome for me, like a friend who'd outgrown his welcome.

What a delight it was to find that this production is fresh, even more physical than previous ones (something I thought almost impossible), and most importantly HILARIOUS! Okay, some jokes worked better than others (true in every such show), but I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud again...and again...and AGAIN! I don't know how you did it, but you did. All of you.

I was also especially happy to find that, while there were great musical introductions to this show (the summer-themed preshow music leading into the Cars' "It's Magic" at rise), some of Andrew Hamm's truly magical melodies from the 2005 production were reprised. By the end, I fought mightily to sing out loud with the cast on "If We Shadows Have Offended". But I resisted the urge, because this is YOUR production, and YOUR triumph. It is well deserved.

Massive kudos to the 2009 "Midsummer" production at Richmond Shakespeare! You've distinguished yourselves among a great tradition of inventive productions that honor the Bard's verse while entertaining completely.