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Arcadia: A.C.T.'s New Production of Stoppard's Masterwork

A.C.T., near the corner of Geary and Mason (415 Geary St. San Francisco, CA 94102)
The praise for Sir Tom Stoppard's masterpiece Arcadia could not be more effusive. A reviewer from The Daily Telegraph gushed, "I have never left a play more convinced that I had just witnessed a masterpiece." Whereas The Independent wondered if it might be "the greatest play of its time." The reason for such enthusiasm might be found in Stoppard's uncanny blend of brainy discussion and down-to-earth emotion. In this play alive with ideas -- about Byron, entropy, history and heat -- the human characters are never lost or diminished, but somehow made more real by their participation in a conversation that seems to span centuries. Set in a sprawling English country house, Arcadia moves between the 19th century and the present through a series of love stories, while characters from both eras discover connections, unearth mysteries and unravel hidden truths. Artistic Director Carey Perloff helms the American Conservatory Theater's dazzling new production of this modern-day masterwork.

* Additional fees apply.

near the corner of Geary and Mason,
415 Geary St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-749-2ACT
27165930actt01

Reviews & Ratings

6 ratings
4.2 average rating
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217 events
52 reviews
5.0
attended May 17 2013

Wonderful Tom Stoppard, deeply thoughtful and stimulating. Engaging cast. You might want to try the free headsets if you're up on the balcony because the dialogue moves fast.

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Sue_headshot__olympia_2010_
91 events
35 reviews
4.0
attended May 17 2013

Handsome set, directing, acting - in all a fine production of a Stoppard favorite. Some miscasting (Murray) but generally a fine job was done by all, including Murray who gave it his all in a part that didn't wear well on him. Kudos to Septimus Hodge and Thomasina,Coverly who played the leads and the emotional core. But though this play seems to be the Stoppard favorite, for my taste its overly cerebral, intellectual, (despite constant references and asides to sex as sort of an intellectual antidote), and in the end a long and exhausting haul to the finish line. Did I have meat to feast over the next day? Yes, how the past, and our particular take on it, colors our present. But in the end, not my favorite Stoppard play, although I keep trying (multiple productions and readings) to warm up to it.

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SJH
32 events
17 reviews
4.0
attended May 17 2013

It was the first night of the preview and previously I've experienced mixed opinions toward Stoppard plays, however I enjyed Arcadia and the cast was very impressive. I'd recommend this performance.

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TJ
53 events
16 reviews
5.0
attended May 17 2013

Let me start by saying that Arcadia is one of my favorite plays, and that I saw the original London production back in 1993, which is one of the best experiences I've ever had in the theater - incredibly beautiful and moving production. So ACT has some pretty big shoes to fill, in my mind. And you know what? They do a great job with the play. I saw it the first night of previews, so they're still working out a few kinks - but overall, the actors are excellent and really bring the characters to life. The final scene always gives me goosebumps, and the whole play is both entertaining and challenging. Be forewarned that this is a long play (almost 3 hours), packed with ideas and a complex storyline - a real thinking person's play - so you need to be ready to engage and pay attention. But the time flies by, as the characters are both really funny and poignant - I think it's one of the best plays of the 20th century (or any era, for that matter). Bravo ACT!!

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More Information About Arcadia

Website

http://www.act-sf.org/1213/arcadia/index.html