Displaying items by tag: Dan Haller
Chicago Shakespeare Makes Winter’s Tale a Story Worth Telling
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of The Winter’s Tale delivers a compelling evening of theater, showcasing an exceptional company of actors working at the top of their craft. Under the direction of Artistic Director Edward Hall, this staging marks an exciting experiment for the theater as the troupe performs in repertoire, set to follow this production with A Midsummer Night’s Dream in November. Though The Winter’s Tale remains one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays, Hall breathes fresh vitality into the work, framing it like a classic fairy tale. Playing a child, Felicia Oduh begins the show opening a picture book in view of a toy ship and a teddy bear, foreshadowing what is to come.
The piece opens with a joyous celebration as King Leontes tries to convince his childhood best friend, King Polixenes, to remain a little longer in his company. But the homesick royal denies every plea, until the beautiful Queen Hermione persuades him to stay. At her success, Leontes is suddenly possessed by jealousy, wondering why her efforts worked. His wild imagination corrodes his sanity quickly, and in no time, he’s envisioned a forbidden affair between his pregnant wife and his most loyal friend. His nobles fail to reel him in, and his madness drives him to forsake everything, even banishing his newborn daughter, only to discover his accusations had no merit. His only hope now rests in a prophecy and the hope that he’ll be reunited with his child one day.
This production thrives as a true ensemble piece, with the majority of the cast adeptly tackling dual roles. Demetrios Troy plays the maddened Leontes with fierce conviction, delivering an inspired portrayal of a ruler’s terrifying mental unraveling. Opposite him, Jessica Dean Turner brings raw emotion to Queen Hermione, grounding her betrayal in a profound, heartbreaking depth. Issy van Randwyck is a force to be reckoned with as Paulina. She commands the stage with a presence capable of calling down fire from heaven or piercing with her witty remarks dipped in uncompromising truth. Providing comedic relief, Kevin Gudahl and Dan Haller share delightful chemistry as the simple-minded shepherd and his son. Later, Sean Fortunato’s turn as the rogue Autolycus provides an absolute audience treat, creating a larger-than-life, hilarious scoundrel infused with a playful rock edge. His playful French accent was especially hilarious.
While the cast excels, the production’s main hurdles stem from the disjointed nature of Shakespeare's text. Act One functions as a powerful, high-stakes drama, illustrating how a poisoned mind can devastate love and life. Act Two, however, pivots sharply, opening with upbeat musical numbers, including a sequence featuring the cast as “baahing” sheep (one even relieves himself on stage). The second half feels in many ways like an extended tangent from the primary plot, as we’re promised a return to Leontes’ court. Still, while it’s a diversion, it is an entertaining one.
Also, no production of The Winter’s Tale would be complete without addressing the play's most famous stage direction, "Exit, pursued by a bear," and Chicago Shakespeare’s iteration does not disappoint. They unleash a creature that is truly the stuff of nightmares.
Despite the script's structural awkwardness, Hall has crafted an enjoyable and emotionally resonant piece of theater powered by artists who elevate every moment. The ensemble brings richness and warmth to these complex characters, capturing the audience’s heart while delivering laughter throughout.
Overall, this presentation stands as another triumph for Chicago Shakespeare Theater, proving that even Shakespeare's lesser-known works can shine brilliantly in the hands of a gifted company.
The Winter's Tale runs until December 12.
https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/2627-winters-tale/
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