Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...Like the rest of the works typically grouped as Shakespeare's late romances, or last plays, this play imagines a world where we can be absolved from our most heinous mistakes, our most chronic misjudgments, and see those we loved and lost again. It has at its core an absurdly rash and ill-considered determination of infidelity, not unlike the one in "Othello," only minus the diabolic Iago manipulating circumstances. Consequences ricochet, destroying innocent lives, but the universe conspires to offer the eventually repentant Leontes, King of Sicilia, played here by Demetrios Troy, a measure of a second chance."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare's artistic director Edward Hall's production aggressively embraces the differences, with a decidedly mixed result. The show starts with extreme highs but recedes in success from there, and rather surprisingly can't find an ending which, in my experience, often comes off as the most moving and memorable in Shakespeare's canon."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Recommended
"...From wrath to redemption to reconciliation, we see an obsessed king accuse his faithful, loyal queen of infidelity. Enraged with jealousy, he brings misery and fear upon himself and those around him as he treats anyone who doesn't agree with his madness as a betrayal of the King. However, what begins as a compelling story of heartbreak unexpectedly becomes a romantic comedy filled with song and dance, and in this production the singing and reverie go on a bit too much. This production also doesn't offer Shakespearean redemption for the King's treacherous behavior and unfounded jealousy."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Once upon a time, the lands were ruled by an irascible tyrant. A madman filled with conspiracies that only exist in his head. He is vindictive, demented, and his retribution harsh. He only hears what affirms his understanding of his self-serving, materialistic worldview. Kicking off their 40th anniversary season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents two Shakespeare productions in repertory with 14 extraordinary actors in simultaneous performances of The Winter's Tale and A Midsummer Night's Dream under the expert direction of Edward Hall."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...THE WINTER'S TALE is given a production that will appeal to theatergoers who are already fans of Shakespeare, but enjoy seeing his plays in a new light. It will also delight new audiences who are not already familiar with this "problem play" because it's so seldom produced. But with his artistic valor and creativity, Edward Hall has modified Shakespeare's script and directed a production that's easily accessible for everyone. And, for those trying to save their pennies, remember that in THE WINTER'S TALE it's as if you're getting two plays for the price of one in this delightful new version of one of the Bard's later romances."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...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."
Third Coast Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Chicago Shakespeare Theater marks its 40th anniversary season with an exciting first: Artistic director Edward Hall leads the company in two repertory-style productions, bringing two of William Shakespeare's most often-produced plays to the Courtyard Theater. Kicking off this ambitious undertaking, The Winter's Tale weaves fantasy, tragedy, and comedy into a sweeping story of jealousy, loss, and redemption. The result is a production that explores how destructive passions can give way to the possibility of forgiveness and renewal. The second production in the repertory series will be Midsummer Night's Dream, with previews beginning November 11."
Chicago On Stage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...At the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Winter's Tale, directed by Artistic Director Edward Hall, the bear, large and frightening, is certainly the most satisfying of the productions' many big swings. The rock and roll sheep, male character dressing as a woman for laughs (seriously, didn't we leave this behind several social movements ago?) and vaguely 20th-century costumes are not as striking and intriguing, but I'm getting ahead of myself."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...Hall's repertory company is universally excellent. There are clever and entertaining performances of original compositions by Kieran McCabe throughout. Michael Pavelka's elegant costumes and expansive set design transforms effortlessly from a courtly manor to a textured, earthy look awash in color for Bohemia with eye-popping projections. Marcus Doshi's stunning lighting design, with an arresting soundscape by Emily Hayman, completes a versatile and visually stunning look for this superb production."
