Orange County Theatre Reviews

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July 23, 2017 | Garden Grove, Review, shakespeare, shakespeare oc, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Shakespeare OC presents: The Tempest @ Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove – Review |

Shakespeare OC presents: The Tempest @ Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove – Review

(Photo by Jordan Kubat)

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

In order for a story about magic to have an impact on its audience, we obviously need Hollywood level special effects and an eight million dollar budget involved, right?  False.  I know this because I just saw Shakespeare/Summerfest’s production of The Tempest, and while I will not presume to make statements about their budget, I can say that while I initially considered magic and special effects necessary to make this story enjoyable, I have now been otherwise educated through this more spiritual take on the material. Continue Reading

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July 7, 2016 | Review, shakespeare, shakespeare oc, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Shakespeare OC presents : Hamlet @ The Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove – Review |

Shakespeare OC presents : Hamlet @ The Strawberry Bowl in Garden Grove – Review

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

The visual beauty.  The talented cast.  The perfectly straightforward technique that does not simply present but improves upon the Shakespearean script though utilization of the “show-don’t-tell” method of storytelling.  It is the experience so many of us have been waiting for —Hamlet –and it’s over in Garden Grove. Continue Reading

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September 14, 2014 | Costa Mesa, Review, shakespeare, South Coast Repertory, Theater, Uncategorized Comments Off on Phenomenal Magic, Good Shakespeare : The Tempest @ South Coast Repertory – Review |

Phenomenal Magic, Good Shakespeare : The Tempest @ South Coast Repertory – Review

tsc_tempest_25

(left to right) Manelich Minniefee& Zachary Eisenstat (Caliban) Tom Nelis (Prospero)

Written by Alina Mae Wilson 

William Shakespeare’s The Tempest at South Coast Repertory promised me magic and wonder, which it delivered enthusiastically, albeit single-minded.  Meaning, I wish all of their actors were as skilled as their magicians.

The story focuses on the usurped Duke Prospero’s quest for vengeance after his brother Antonio fails to kill him.  Prospero escapes to an island with magical books and supplies, where he becomes a sorcerer residing with his daughter Miranda and his spirit slave Ariel, waiting for his moment of revenge. The play begins with Prospero using his magic to create a tempest, ship wreaking the king and many other royals, including Antonio, onto his island. From there, we watch the interactions between the spirits and the group of visitors. Continue Reading

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