I'm not usually one to blow my own horn, but I have been talking about Merchant for so long, and many people have asked how the opening week-end went. In a word, it went wonderfully!
The audience has been raving about the show and vowing to call all their friends. Most have been pleasantly surprised at how well they understood the language, and how easy it was to follow the complicated story. This is no accident. We have spent months disecting the language, and I'm sure I have driven the cast crazy pointing out each time they have mis-read a line. Making the language "accessible" to a modern audience has been one of my major goals. I couldn't be more pleased.
I thought I would share a portion of an e-mail that was sent to the theatre this morning:
[Actorguy's] direction of 'The Merchant of Venice' is a show not to be missed. I hope you sell lots of tickets because those who miss it will live to regret not having seen it when the word gets out ... and I am planning to inform everyone I know.Having been up the night before until 3 am, the thought of sitting through a Shakespearian play without falling asleep would have to be miraculous. I have tried to understand Shakespeare for years at Stratford and many other renowned theatres across the country. I just didn't get it ... that is until [Actorguy] put his magical hand to Shakespeare ... finally I got it! ... I understood the plots, the scenes, the vocabulary, the jokes ... was it a miracle? ... it is probably just the best production of Shakepeare ever! ... for little old me anyway.[Actorguy] loves Shakespeare and it certainly shows in this production. Each performer on stage is eloquent, quite suited to their parts and most excellent! ... and it is funny, which requires perfect timing especially in a Shakespearean play! Great characters! Excellent lead players. Each performer carries their weight on stage and do a magnificent job of it. I haven't seen anything as good at Stratford or anywhere else they are renowned for Shakespeare.The set is so fabulous there is darkness and light right up to the beautiful stars in the sky! The boat moored at a dock bobs around in what looks to be water!
The Stratford she mentions is The Stratford Shakespearean Festival in Stratford, Ontario. It is one of the best Shakespeare companies in the world. This is from a woman who has been coming to our theatre for years and I don't think she has ever sent an e-mail about one of our productions. Needless to say, I am very pleased!
