Wednesday, February 04, 2009
"Wittenberg" at Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Web 2.0 has come to the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. (I refuse to call it Orlando Shakes. Ugh.)
But they have posted a cute little video preview of their latest play, "Wittenberg" by David Davalos.
Here's their description of the play:
Warning: It's got naughty language, so leave the kiddies home.
Helsinger and Hissom are among the Shakespeare Theater's best actors, so while I can't vouch for the play, it should be getting get a good staging.
Runs through Feb. 15. More info at 407-447-1700.
But they have posted a cute little video preview of their latest play, "Wittenberg" by David Davalos.
Here's their description of the play:
This sprightly and hilarious battle of wits features university colleagues Dr. Faustus (a man of appetites), versus Martin Luther (a man of faith), and their struggle for the soul of young Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (a youth struggling not only with his beliefs but also with his tennis game!). Come hear the story behind the story of Hamlet in a highly entertaining and humorous exploration of reason versus faith. Featuring Eric Hissom and Jim Helsinger.
Warning: It's got naughty language, so leave the kiddies home.
Helsinger and Hissom are among the Shakespeare Theater's best actors, so while I can't vouch for the play, it should be getting get a good staging.
Runs through Feb. 15. More info at 407-447-1700.
Labels: orlando shakespeare theater
Sunday, December 14, 2008
"The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge"
The Orlando Shakespeare Theater is reviving their production of "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" for the holiday season. I saw the world premiere production back in 2004 (also at the Shakespeare Festival) and this one is even better.
For starters, the pivotal role of Solomon Rotchschild is played by the author, a "retired" actor, who proves he hasn't lost his chops. And Scrooge is played this time by an older actor, which works much better for the part.
The play is a hoot. The premise is that Scrooge, having reverted to his old ways, is now suing the spirits who haunted him that fateful Christmas Eve one year ago for, among other things, kidnapping and the infliction of pain and suffering. Scrooge represents himself, while suave Jewish lawyer Rothschild (complete with yarmulke), pleads the case for the Christmas spirits. By the way, if you're worried that this set up might prove to be offensive, relax. It's not in the least.
This is a very funny show, including a wonderful set piece in which the Spirit of Christmas Future testifies with the aid of a court-appointed translator who speaks Ghost.
The payoff is ingenious and sends the audience out suffused with the spirit of Christmas.
Now if we could only get the Shakespeare Theater to stop referring to itself as "Orlando Shakes!" Did they hire the Froghammer agency from the second season of Slings and Arrows?
The show runs through December 28. Don't miss it! Get tickets here.
For starters, the pivotal role of Solomon Rotchschild is played by the author, a "retired" actor, who proves he hasn't lost his chops. And Scrooge is played this time by an older actor, which works much better for the part.
The play is a hoot. The premise is that Scrooge, having reverted to his old ways, is now suing the spirits who haunted him that fateful Christmas Eve one year ago for, among other things, kidnapping and the infliction of pain and suffering. Scrooge represents himself, while suave Jewish lawyer Rothschild (complete with yarmulke), pleads the case for the Christmas spirits. By the way, if you're worried that this set up might prove to be offensive, relax. It's not in the least.
This is a very funny show, including a wonderful set piece in which the Spirit of Christmas Future testifies with the aid of a court-appointed translator who speaks Ghost.
The payoff is ingenious and sends the audience out suffused with the spirit of Christmas.
Now if we could only get the Shakespeare Theater to stop referring to itself as "Orlando Shakes!" Did they hire the Froghammer agency from the second season of Slings and Arrows?
The show runs through December 28. Don't miss it! Get tickets here.
Labels: orlando shakespeare theater, trial of ebenezer scrooge
