Shakespeare Santa Cruz

[Drunk Monk]

Our last show in the grove - Stacy's fav comedy. MAAN always feels a little like a reworking of Romeo & Juliet (the priest's death plot) and Taming of the Shrew (the dynamics of Benedict and Beatrice) but it's always a crowd pleaser. I'm also impressed by anyone that can memorize their part in a Willy play, let alone two parts, so it was very amusing to see the cast of last week's Macbeth recast. The program director took over the role of Benedict - surely using his directorial prerogative to nail a dream role of his for this final run. He does have a fantastic command of Shakespearean English, but seemed just a little old for the role. The female Banquio took over Beatrice, which worked as she's likable enough. Macbeth became both Don Jon and Dogberry, which stage hogged two of the best roles. I disliked Claudio, who could seem to distinguish the comedy from the tragedy.

Not stellar, but enjoyable. I hope the new digs for SSC are good. It'll be hard to beat the grove.