I just saw Shakespeare Santa Cruz's production of Twelfth Night.
It was an excellent production. The acting and direction was first class. Every part was well cast and well played. The costumes were good - although I must say that the Viola's Cesario costume emphasized rather than masked the underlying anatomy. And the set - it has to be seen to be believed.
If you want to see one of Shakespeare's best comedies in one of the best outdoor settings there is - anywhere - I strongly recommend that you come to Santa Cruz and see the festival's shows: Twelfth Night, The Winters Tale, Engaged, and The Antipodes.
Many people fear Shakespeare - high school teachers everywhere have done their best to make it seem distant and foreign. But good actors under good direction - and Shakespeare Santa Cruz has both - make the shows accessible, real, and enjoyable.
And the company does exceptionally well on non Shakespeare works as well. Last year's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf was one of those theatre experiences that reminds us that live actors in front of a live audience is engaging and powerful far beyond film and television.
My wife and I are performance sponsors for The Winters Tale.
Posted by karl at July 30, 2005 1:06 AM