The Winter's Tale Reviews

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The Winter?s Tale is a tragicomedy of King Leontes (Michael Stejskal), who suddenly believes his pregnant wife Hermione (Andrea Uppling) had an affair with his friend King Polixenes (Ra?l Alonso). From there, the story devolves into tragic chaos throughout act one, only to be met with a jarring 16-year time skip and genre hop to comedy in act two. Invictus Theatre?s ensemble, directed by Charles Askenaizer, does their utmost to make sense of this content whiplash, and melodramatics made too melodramatic at times, but those nearly three hours feel mighty long by the end."

EpochTimes - Highly Recommended

"...Director Charles Askenaizer has done a masterful job of trimming the original five-act play into essential two acts, speeding the action and making it more accessible. Furthermore, Invictus's artistic team of talents has created a palpable atmosphere to put us in the play's background of time and place."

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Directed by Charles Askenaizer and featuring the company's usual high-quality design, as well as superb cast, the production is joyous, moving, and quite simply outstanding"

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...As a young man, getting involved with theater, I remember having a teacher tell me that Shakespeare's works are meant to be seen, not read. I guess what he was trying to say is that just reading doesn't allow for the imagination to get you into the different sides of the story, and if you are one who has seen a lot of the Bard's plays, you know that there are stroies within the stories as well as sub plots all over the place. I am telling you this because the play that I am reviewing here, "The Winter's Tale" as done by Invictus Theatre Company is one of those unique plays. Is this play a comedy? Is it a romantic story ( sort of like an ancient Hallmark channel film), or it is a combination thereof?"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Invictus Theatre Company?s latest offering will appeal to audiences who are already fans of Shakespeare, but enjoy seeing his plays in a new and different light. This presentation will no doubt delight other theatergoers who are not familiar with this Problem Play, mainly because it?s so involving and seldom produced. But Charles Askenaizer, the Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre, has adapted the script and directed his production so that it?s accessible to everyone."

Buzz Center Stage - Recommended

"...As much as The Winter?s Tale handles heavy matters of tragedy, the production also carries what some might find to be much needed moments of levity. Sam Nachison?s Autolycus is a prime example - appearing early in Act 2. Autolycus steals from an unsuspecting Clown (played by Kyle Quinlivan - with a sweet, unassuming innocence), and Nachison turns this into a game with the audience. With each piece of clothing Autolycus tricks the poor man into removing, or coin purse that the Clown unknowingly hands over ? Nachison throws a little wink or gesture to the adoring crowd. His performance elicited uproars of laughter, and even cheers as the thief?s tactics became increasingly over-the-top."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...The Winter?s Tale is an unusual story, with two acts so different in tone that the play can be difficult to produce. Fortunately, Invictus succeeds. Under Charles Askenaizer?s direction, Winter?s Tale is tightly paced and well-acted, with gorgeous music from composer and sound designer Petter Wahlb?ck. Actors Fred A. Wellisch, Carolyn Waldee, Sydney Ren? Cox and Megan Erin Lai do double duty here, playing live music throughout the play while also rounding out the ensemble."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended

"...A story of reproach, remorse and reconciliation, William Shakespeare?s ?The Winter?s Tale? presented by Invictus Theatre, has something for everyone. It is both tragedy and a romantic comedy with sorrow, absurdity, mirth and fantasy."

Chicago On Stage - Recommended

"...If you love Shakespeare, there is something to find in this production of The Winter?s Tale that is satisfying. Invictus Theatre Company is certainly working to infuse Shakespeare with novel and inventive approaches. But the attempt here feels very uneven."

MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended

"...It all adds up to an ideal Shakespearian experience, not to mention a seasonally appropriate one that travels from the grim cold of Winter, with its economical and serious emotions, to the fulsome unfolding of Spring, replete with its joy that welcomes new life. Treat yourself to this resplendent awakening while you have the chance. It will lift your spirits."

Allie and the After Party - Highly Recommended

"...Set in a place between fantasy and reality, this production of The Winter?s Tale creates a world where time is a central theme both in set and sound. The cast delivers a strong performance as they masterfully craft their characters with the original Elizabethan text."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...There are several outstanding performances. Stejskal's Leontes is at first suave and attractive, then makes a sudden and genuinely frightening turn into darkness. His madness is augmented by costume designer Jessie Gowens, as his wardrobe becomes gradually more disheveled and his face more haggard, as if he never sleeps."