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Writing for Us
A CurtainUp Review
The Winter's Tale
by Julian and Rhona Frazin
Michael Bogdanov's imaginative production of Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale for Chicago Shakespeare Theater gives us a view of basic human emotions through two dramatically different lenses. At the heart of his interpretation of the play are the passions of jealousy, rage and pride and the destruction that they bring in their wake.

The director quite literally cloaks this tale in two radically different textures. The Sicilian court of King Leontes (John Reeger) is all pent-up passion, where the world is stark black and white and filled with sharp edges. It is here that we meet his pregnant wife Queen Hermione, elegantly portrayed by Barbara Robertson and his life-long friend King Polixenes. In the hands of Chicago Shakespeare favorite Kevin Gudahl, Polixenes is self-assured, a man clearly comfortable in his own body, and with his life. Leontes wrongly suspects Hermione and Polixenes of infidelity, and he is consumed with jealousy and rage. He ultimately sentences his wife to death, banishes Polixenes to far-off Bohemia, inadvertently causes the death of his beloved young son and abandons his newborn daughter, in defiance of the oracle who attests to Hermione's loyalty.

In the first act exposition, that sets up the turn-about to follow, Bogdanov is supported by an exceptional production team who have created a stylish and highly stylized environment. Derek McLane's edgy set has as its focal point a "house of cards" modern glass sculpture that quite literally tumbles and shatters when the oracle-represented by a duo who bring to mind the ubiquitous accountants who guard the sealed envelopes at televised awards ceremonies-is defied. Costume Designer Claire Lyth clothes her characters in elegantly tailored fabrics that demonstrate

The Winter's Tale
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Michael Bogdanov
Cast: Barbara Robertson (Hermione), Zach Gray (Mamillus), Ronald Keaton (Archidamus), Greg Vinkler (Camillo), Kevin Gudahl (Polixenes), John Reeger (Leontes), Carolyne Ann Hoerdemann, Chavez Ravine (ladies to Hermione), Susan Hart (Paulina), Ronald Keaton (Gaoler, Carolyn Ann Hoerdemann (Emilia), Tony Dorbowolski (Antigonus), John Lister (Cleomenes), David Lively (Dion), Kevin Gudahl (Mariner), Robert Scogin (Old Shepherd), Joe Foust (Clown, Time), James Fitgerald (Autolycus), Brian Hamman (Florizel), Johanna McKenzie Miller (Perdita), Carolyn Hoerdemann (Mopsa), Chavez Ravine (Dorcas)
Set Design: Derek McLane
Costume Design:Claire Lyth
Lighting Design: Robert Wierzel
Sound Design: Scott Myers
Composer: Alaric Jans
Running time: Three hours with one intermission
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Avenue, on Navy Pier, Chicago, 312.595-5600, www.chicagoshakes.com
Opening 3/30/03 -- through 6/01/03
Reviewed by Julian & Rhona Frazin based on 3/30/03 performance

Mendes at the Donmar
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