Goldstar

• Rated 1.0
• Written on Nov 05 2009

While the production seems to be a fine one, it is swallowed whole by the cavernous Zellerbach Hall (Zellerbach Playhouse would have been a better fit). The actors are not amplified, and therefore inaudible (and on the rare occasions when they can be heard, they are unintelligible). The lone exception was the actor playing Costard, whom I could both hear and comprehend from my seat - which was a good one - about halfway back of the orchestra section. I was in the middle of the row, so I had to wait until intermission (an hour and a half into the piece) before I could flee. Fortunately, they leave the house lights up throughout the show, and I had a book with me, so I was able to get through several chapters while waiting for my freedom.

• Rated 4.0
• Written on Nov 05 2009

I was in Orchestra row R and able to hear all the dialog, even when the cast members turned their back to the audience --although Moth was a stretch to hear during her last song.

The infamous four men hiding in a tree that most productions flop on by making too static, here succeeded greatly. The actors have a tight physical comedy and much stage movement that instead makes this one of the highpoints of the show.

Armado with his Castillian accent was particularly sadly sweet here, and the time spent building up his character pays off so well in the Nine Worthies segment. The actor did a great job of just making a likeable character out of what is usually a minor throwaway cut to make the final curtain on time.

The deer puppets. Huh. In general, I despise puppets. With a passion. This performance got me to go "Okay, Chekhov's gun says it makes sense to have these deer puppets here at this point ", which is probably the best you can hope for from me.

Going straight through Act I and II without a break was a bit harsh, and the audience built up so much warmth in the hall and the air became so stale and stuffy it induced sleep in some people. Indoor theaters need breaks to put the audience outside so the air can clear and hall cool off. Wish they'd adapt. I think moths trapped in amber get more oxygen than the audience in Zellerbach was getting by the end of Act II.

The musicians were a pleasant surprise, starting with their pre-show performance in the foyer while the minor characters wandered around the crowd. They added liveliness and energy throughout the show. Great physical comedy, and now my favorite performance of Armado I've ever seen.

• Rated 2.0
• Written on Nov 05 2009

The set, music, actor movement throughout the space all made for a festive night out. The acting was very uneven. Usually when one goes to see a production put on specifically by Shakespearian actors one hears clear articulation of the verse.
The Princess was very clear, and her ladies in waiting were generally clear. All of the rustics inc. Jacquinetta and for the most part the page and his nobleman were clear. The male nobility with the exception of the Irish actor (who was good) were often unclear and very difficult to hear or follow. The academics were generally fine.
I was thrilled to get tickets for less than$10 through Goldstar, and given that price I was very glad I attended. Had I paid full price at some $80 I would have been most displeased given the very uneven performance of the actors.
Long Live the BARD!