Review: TALES OF WOO AND WOE, A Graceful, Intelligent interpretation of Shakespeare

The archaic linguistic style of Shakespeare's work can be difficult for the unaccustomed ear to decipher. Not everyone is comfortable enough with words and turn-of-phrase long extinct from modern conversation to determine nuance at first reading. The stories are still relatable in terms of emotional content and plot, but these accessible elements can be buried in stylistic filigree. Meaning is often easier gleaned through the physicality of the scene than the words. For this reason, Shakespeare's work is a good fit for DramaDogs, a theatre company whose performance style is characterized by precise, representative movement that unites the intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of their productions. Their current performance, Tales of Woo and Woe (by Jinny Webber, using extracts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets), is a well-designed collection of scenes exemplifying themes of love and desire.

Tales of Woo and Woe is clearly a work of great forethought and consideration. Re-contextualized plays often rely on the audience understanding the significance of the original work to pull meaning from the derivative, but there's no need for intimate knowledge of Shakespeare's work to appreciate the themes presented in Woo and Woe. It's an inventive examination of love through movement and poetry that combines the essence of Shakespeare's constructions of romance with modern aesthetics. For example, George Coe's monologue/sonnet recitation, as performed over Josh Jenkins' bluesy harmonica, was suave and earthy--Shakespeare meets a film noir. The performances are engrossing, and indicative of a well-informed cast.

Featuring E. Bonnie Lewis, Ken Gilbert, George Coe, Mindy Turano, Hylla Sue Fischer, Jennifer Marco, Mack Urbanowicz, and Josh Jenkins. It's a strong cast that's in touch with the material. Personally, I could watch George Coe and Jennifer Marco all day long; she's a medieval warrior goddess, and he's so refined, I think I'll kill myself. In less colorful terms, both have a natural sense of the play's emotional subtext, and their performances have a comfortable balance of humor and intensity.

Tales of Woo and Woe is entertaining and concise--a graceful, intelligent interpretation of Shakespeare and the follies, sorrows, and joys of love. Come enjoy Tales of Woo and Woe--this weekend at Center Stage!

Tales of Woo and Woe
By Jinny Webber (with the words of William Shakespeare)
Directed by Ken Gilbert and E. Bonnie Lewis

February 6-14
Center Stage Theater
www.dramadogs.org