Above: Jonathan Goad (Left) as Hamlet, Geraint Wyn Davies (Right) as The Ghost
Hamlet. Perhaps the greatest known work of William Shakespeare's with over 4,000 lines for the actor playing Hamlet himself. It is a huge understatement to say that Hamlet is quite the undertaking, between its themes, characters and powerful emotions it brings from start to finish. Taking such an iconic Shakespeare play and turning it into a fresh production is perhaps the greatest challenge every theater company faces, but as usual, this proves no trouble for the actors at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and its director Antoni Cimolino.
Hamlet tells the story of Prince Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark and heir to the throne. After losing his father and learning of his mothers remarriage to his fathers brother Claudius, Hamlet becomes removed and is uneasy with the fact that such a man could take the throne. Hamlet soon learns that a ghost, appearing in the image of the fallen king, has appeared to a few men and Hamlet vows to speak with him. Upon meeting The Ghost and learning that it is his father himself and that he was murdered by his own brother in order to ascend to the throne, Hamlet vows to take revenge on his uncle and all those close to him. But amidst the madness will he lose his mind and himself along the way?
The deciding factor that makes one production of Hamlet shine is non other than the actor playing Hamlet himself. After attending the festival last year and learning that festival favorite Jonathan Goad would be taking on the lead role, I was interested to see how the production as a whole would play out. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Goad brought a new and incredibly intriguing approach to the Prince of Denmark, enhancing the madness and bringing every ironic or sly remark to light. Goad's Hamlet was both powerful and breathtaking, while still showing Hamlets softer side along with his incredibly vulnerability. Festival director, Antoni Cimolino, could not have picked a better leading man.
Also important and equally impressive were the supporting members of the cast. Festival veteran and fantastic actress Seana McKenna took on the role of Gertrude, Hamlet's newly remarried mother, while Geraint Wyn Davies took on the dueling roles of Claudius and The Ghost (Hamlet's father). Opposite of Hamlet was Adrienne Gould, taking on the role of Hamlet's tortured love Ophelia. I was especially happy to see Gould take Ophelia to a whole new level and make her as cunning as her father while still embracing her happy and easy going personality. Ophelia's mad scene especially was remarkable as Gould took Ophelia from being a frail young girl to an incredibly physical character as she slipped farther away from reality.
Another remarkable part of the production was its set and costumes. A minimalist set made up of only several black movable pillars and benches, the cast was able to move about the stage freely and use the entire space to their advantage and do everything from running circles around the stage to climbing over five stories in the air, Secondary to the set and incredibly symbolic was the costume design and color scheme used in the production. Hamlet was dressed always in black with a majority of the characters wearing this, gray or other dark colors, while the Players and Queen were the only characters ever seen wearing color. As the play continued these characters changed into dark colors until black, white and grey were worn by all members in the final scenes. These aspects only enhanced the production and took this iconic classic to a striking modern day Hamlet.
Tragedy. Drama, Emotion. All the driving forces of Shakespeare's greatest and most renowned play. But through all the hardship and struggle Stratford brings another Shakespearean classic to life, asking audience members that familiar question : "To be, or not to be?"
Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Hamlet Trailer
For stage photos and videos from this production, visit:
I've always been a huge fan of anime films, especially those by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, but not not until March of this year did I acquire an obsessive love for a new flavor of anime: anime series. After a friend turned me onto Sword Art Onlinethere was no turning back, and since then I have managed to plow through six anime series with two more still in progress. The following list are my top five favorites as rated by plot, characters and my overall enjoyment of the series, other considerations taken into effect include animation, how much the English dubbing fit the series and the series soundtrack. Along with my top five and two series in progress is an honorable mention that I just couldn't leave out. So here they are, my top five animes!
Top 5 Animes:
5. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) - Season 1, Opening 3 Video
'Equivalent Exchange' is the name of the game. Focusing on the adventures of two brothers with a specific goal in mind, Fullmetal Alchemist follows scientists and alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric as the embark on a journey to correct past wrongs and regain what has been lost. After attempting to bring their deceased mother back to life through a form of alchemy that is strictly forbidden, older brother Edward loses and arm and a leg while his younger brother Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brothers life, Edward attaches his brothers soul to a nearby set of armorwhich now walks and talks as Alphonse himself. Bent on getting their bodies back, the brothers leave home to track and find the one thing that can help them: the philosophers stone. But in order for something to be gained, something of equal value must be lost.
Why I began this series: The same friend who turned me onto anime in the first place also recommended this series to me, and it delivered.
What I loved about the series: A solid story line, incredible character development, great action scenes and an almost close to perfect dub made this series a great one to binge watch. The series was strong from start to finish with continuous motion making each episode more interesting than the one before it. The connection between the two brothers especially made this series enjoyable, showing that though the Elric brothers have been through tough times they will do whatever it takes to right the wrongs they've done even if it means making a few enemies along the way and taking some lives in the process.
What I didn't like about the series: The biggest issue I had with this series was keeping track of all the characters and all the forms of alchemy or for lack of a better word, "magic", they could do. All the terms and phrases used to associate with alchemy were easily jumbled and could be confusing if you weren't paying close enough attention. This however did not hinder my enjoyment of the series but in fact made me pay closer attention to what was going on from an episode to episode basis.
All said and done, I would highly recommendFullmetal Alchemist to any die hard anime fan.
4. Psycho Pass: Seasons 1 & 2 (2012 & 2014) - Season 1, Opening 2 Video
Similar to Fullmetal Alchemist, Psycho-Pass delves into the continuous question of humanities relationship to technology and makes viewers question the idea of "true judgement". Set in 2113, Psycho-Pass follows a unit from the Public Safety Bureau, the modern day Police Department. A unit made up of Inspectors who take charge of cases and Enforcers trained to help catch criminals and eliminate them if necessary, the series focuses on the one piece of machinery used to judge all those at a single glace: Dominators. Newly assigned inspector Akane Tsunemori must dive head first into this line of work, learning not only how to handle the job, but how humans fit into this judgement system known as The Sibiyl System.
Why I began this series: Unlike Fullmetal Alchemist, I began watching Psycho-Pass completely on a whim because it looked "interesting.
What I loved about the series: The first thing that struck me about this series was the music. The soundtrack elevated the series above the plot and became more then background noise for the characters. The plot was also very good, a steady moving and cliff-hanging series of episodes made me want to watch one episode after the next without stopping. The dub of this series also lended much to the characters, bringing them to life while also being relatable. The best part of this anime however can be summed up in one character and perhaps one of the greatest anime villains of all time: Shogo Makishima.
What I didn't like about the series: I've never been one for extreme violence, so Psycho-Pass started out a little rough for me. Once I got over that aspect I was able to enjoy much of the series.
I would recomend Psycho-Pass to anime fans who enjoy a bit more gore and action while still asking questions about the human race and our place among technology.
3. Attack on Titan (2013) - Original Opening Video
Will humanity survive? Set in the years 830-845, Attack on Titan follows the lives of three friends, Eren Jager, Misaka Ackermann and Armin Arlert as they do what all of humanity is attempting to do: survive. Living within walls more than 50 feet high, the surviving human race hides in fear from an enemy that appeared nearly a hundred years beforehand who have been terrorizing the Earth since their appearance. Giant human-like creatures with various heights and abilities with one common goal and craving: the taste of human flesh. The final surviving portion of humanity must fend for themselves when two Titans of extreme power appear and infiltrate the outer wall, allowing Titans from the outside to flood the city of devour humans. Will all of humanity be lost to the Titans? Can Eren and his friends save the rest of the human race, or is there more than meets the eye?
Why I began this series: A more recent anime, since its broadcast Attack on Titan has gained a HUGE fan following and is one of the most talked about anime shows today. Learning this, I thought I would check it out for myself.
What I loved about this series: The original idea and through process behind the series is the shinning star. Who doesn't love humanoid creatures with a strange desire for human flesh!? Everything from the Titans origins to humanities constant struggle to survive makes every minute of this anime worth watching.
What I didn't like about this series: While the plot is strong for a majority of the series, it loses its way in the middle until rediscovering its footing and purpose. This results in a set of episodes that are slower in pace and less exciting.
I am still surprised I made it all the way through Attack on Titan, but never the less, it's one to watch if you're already riding hard on the anime bandwagon.
2. Sword Art Online (2012) - Original Opening Video
The anime that started it all had to make the list. Like Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online has a huge fan following and is a series that is still alive and thriving. 30 years in the future, SAO follows the events of thousands of people who have recently purchased the new VRMMO game available called Sword Art Online. A game where players are transported into the virtual world via special gear, SAO becomes a quick hit among players until all are summoned by the creator of the game, known as the gamemaster, and receive terrifying news: it's not a game, it's real. All the players are now trapped in SAO until someone can clear the game, but if a players health drops to zero or the gear used to run the game is removed, that player will not only be deleted from the game but also killed in the real world. A diligent player of the game, Kirito, must do all he can to survive what quickly becomes known as "the death game" while confronting demons of his own, trying to save those he loves, and surviving until the very end.
Why I began this series: My friend turned me onto this show, and thus began my dark hole of anime binge watching
What I loved about this series: Absolutely everything about this show is amazing. From its characters, to dialogue, gorgeous soundtrack and a close to perfect English dub, SAO hits all the strong points of a successful anime series.
What I didn't like about this series: There is little about this series that I don't like. It's first season, which is actually comprised of seasons one and two, is great while its third season begins very slow but eventually picks up in drama and action. The third season of SAO has been recently dubbed and is now being shown on television on a weekly basis. I make sure not to miss an episode.
I would recommend Sword Art Online to anyone who is looking to get into anime but doesn't know where to start. A gentler, non-violent series that centers around a great concept and unforgettable characters makes SAO one amazing anime.
And finally....
1. Deathnote (2006) - Original Opening Video
Bored high school student Light Yagami is like every other kid, until one day he finds a notebook entitled Death Note. The notebook seems ordinary until Light finds a specific set of rules within the notebook all beginning with one supreme statement: The person whose name is written in this notebook, shall die. Debating the notebooks authenticity and whether or not he should use it, Light quickly learns that this notebook is real and makes good on its threat. Soon after, Light meets the owner of this notebook a Shinigami, also known as a God of death, who tells him that since the notebook was dropped in the human world it will now belong to Light until his death. With new power in hand Light vows to use the notebooks power to cleanse the earth of criminals and become the God of the new world he creates.
Why I began this series: Like Psycho-Pass, the title of Deathnote was "interesting" and after beginning the series I was able to finish it in less than two days. I still have absolutely no regrets.
What I loved about the series: Absolutely everything. A physcological thriller with with lovable characters and a strong, intense plot that is the driving force for the series. Deathnote is still the only Japanese anime series I've watched where the English dub is perfection. A spectacular cast of characters matched with perfect fitting voices and one plot-twist after another makes Deathnote a series not to be missed.
What I didn't like: I loved everything about this anime, but if I had to choose a negative it would be the use of one character, Misa Amane.
I recommend Deathnote to anyone and everyone. It is simply a spectacular series.
Honorable Mention:
Black Butler: Seasons 1 & 2 (2008 & 2010) - Season Two, Original Opening Video
Tea anyone? We join this series set in 18th century Victorian England at the home of thirteen year old business tycoon and pampered brat, Ciel Phantomhive. After losing his parents in a mysterious fire Ciel is left all alone to run the family toy company. Ciel lives a comfortable life with faithful servants and "one hell of a butler" named Sebastian. At first glance it seems Sebastian is simply the most loyal of servants, but things aren't always as they seem. Sebastian has vowed to do all in his power to makes Ciels ultimate wish come true in exchange for devouring his soul upon its completion. Would you expect any different behavior from a demon?
Why I began this series: I had seen various things on the internet about the series and thought I'd give it a try. It took me longer than most to get into the series as a whole but it's a great regardless.
What I loved about the series: Two words - Sebastian Michaelis. Demon or not, from his animation to his deep English voice, to his two signature lines of the show, Sebastian is what makes Black Butler noteworthy. He is simply one Hell of a butler.
What I didn't like about the series: When I began the series I at first thought Ciel was a girl (which I later learned was not the case, through the English dub was voiced by a woman). Ciel as a character bothered me in the beginning and came off as a selfish brat whose sole purpose was to be annoying. The further into the series I got the more I saw that these characteristics are what make Ciel Phantomhive interesting and he could often be amusing. The biggest negative of the series however is its jumbled plot and slow flow from episode to episode. Certain episodes bring us more action and drama while other episodes get lost in the confusion and sometimes make us think we're in a different story all together.
Looking for a spot of tea, perhaps a Foret Noire or perhaps you just adore well done English accents? Black Butler is for you.
Anime Series still in Progress:
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) - Season 1, Original Opening Video
Current position: Season 1 - Episode 21 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: Absolutely
Why I love about Code Geass: The dub is pretty spot on, good characters, solid plot and beautifully styled animation.
What I don't like about the series: Starts slow, but picks up quickly with rapid fire action
Why you would enjoy Code Geass: It is one of the most popular animes out there and if you're looking for a great internal character struggle of good and evil, then this is a great series for you.
Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Current Position: Season 1 Episode 7 out of 13
Will I continue into Season 2: Maybe, depends how the rest of Season 1 pans out
Why I like about Fate/Zero: Beautifully animated with strong female protagonists
What I don't like about the series: I have yet to fully get into the series, but since I am already halfway through Season 1 I'll go till the end
Why you would enjoy Fate/Zero: Strong female characters and a war where spirits are summoned by humans to battle for the ultimate prize make Fate/Zero a good anime to watch if you're looking for a milder flavor of anime.
So there it is, my top five animes along with an honorable mention and a few still in progress! Viva anime!!
Above: Cynthia Dale (left) as Myra Arundel and Lucy Peacock as Judith Bliss
I love dramas and tragedy's as much as any other theater goer, but something I just want to laugh. After seeing Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit', put on by Stratford Shakespeare Festival just last season, I began looking into possible dates to attend the festivals production of 'Hay Fever'. A comedy that relates to any family today, 'Hay Fever' brings familiar light to the fact that every family is different and can even be a little crazy.
A play that Coward wrote in three days and made little edits to before publishing, 'Hay Fever' follows the story of Judith Bliss, a retired Hollywood actress who lives in a rundown country house with her husband and two children. By utter coincidence, Judith and her two children Simon and Sorel have each invited a guest to stay at their home for the weekend, not only creating panic among them but creating a new problem of massive proportions - coexisting together and keeping their wits intact.
Stratford Festival's Hay Fever Trailer
Behind the scenes of Hay Fever
For stage photos and videos from this production, visit:
Love. Murder. Madness - three words that easily describe Shakespeare's famous tragedy about the King who went mad. Trapped by his own mind and at the mercy of power hungry subjects it's no surprise that Lear begins to lose it pretty early on, thanks to two of his daughters who not only abuse and help deteriorate Lear's already fragile mind, but set in motion the following events and horrendous actions. There is nowhere to hide.
Written about a real king,we begin King Lear with an announcement that the King will divide his kingdom between his three daughters - Goneril, Regan and Cordelia.But before he does this he asks each daughter to speak about her love for him and only then will they inherit his kingdom. Goneril and Regan excessively praise him and gain their inheritance while the youngest, Cordelia, expresses her love of him as a father and nothing more. After hearing this, Lear rashly disowns Cordelia and leaves her to a life with no dowry. While this happens we meet Edmund, the villain of the play. The illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, Edmund makes a plan to convince his father that his brother Edgar, the Earl's legitimate son, is actually illegitimate and has made a plot to murder their father. Both families struggle to keep the truth insight and both families ultimately pay the price.
King Lear was our absolute number one must-see of the season and it went far beyond what any of us expected. An all star and incredibly in-sync cast led by Colm Feore along with beautiful costumes and special effects made this production one of my all time favorites of the Festival. Colm Feore was incredible as Lear and brought the madness and complicated king to life in amazing ways. His fool, played by Steven Ouimette, was just as incredible as Lear's confidant and voice of reason. I am always amazed when I see a Stratford actor in more than one production, especially when is comedy and the other is tragedy and watching Ouimette play a more serious character was fascinating to watch. Besides Lear, my favorite two characters of the play were unquestionably the Earl of Gloucester (Scott Wentworth) and Edgar (Evan Buliung). Wentworth and Buliung's father-son chemestry was stunning and brought me to tears more than once. Alongside Feore, Wentworth and Buliung made this entire production for me.
There are not enough words to express the awesomeness of this production. So instead I leave you with three new words to describe Stratford's gem King Lear - GO SEE IT!!!
Stratford Festival's King Lear Trailer
"Nothing will come of Nothing" - Cordelia (Sara Farb) tells King Lear (Colm Feore) of her love for him as a father
For stage photos and videos from this production, visit:
Above: Steven Ouimette as Nick Bottom with Members of the Company
"Give us your hands if we be friends, and Robin shall restore amends!" - Puck
From the very beginning, we are sure that something will go wrong. What is to be amended? The answer lies in Oberon, King of the Fairies and his faithful Puck, who scheme together in the mix-up of lovers. But if Oberon had never wanted Titania's changeling child and never sent Puck to fetch the flower with which to cloud the minds of the lovers, much of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream wouove: ld have never happened.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most well-known and frequently performed today, from the high school to professional stage. A tale of misplaced love, we follow the decisions of Hermia who has been ordered by her father to marry Demetrius. Much to her fathers dismay, she does not love him and instead confesses her love for the rebel Lysander. When their marriage is forbidden the two decide to run away into the forest at nightfall, in hopes that they will be married and live together in peace - but all does not go as planned. Followed by Demetrius, friend Helena and at the disposal of magical creatures, the four lovers discover that love can not only be changed in an instant, but also by magic.
I was extremely excited to head to the Festival to see this production as our first of the season. I have never read the play or seen any movie leaving my mind completely open to the characters, their choices and the overall enjoyment of the production. Needless to say, I was incredibly impressed. Hermia (Bethany Jillard), Helena (Liisa Repo-Martell, Lysander (Tara Rosling) and Demetrius (Mike Shara) were hilariously charming as the four crossed lovers who unexpectedly fall victim to Pucks magic. My favorite characters of the production by far were Nick Bottom (Steven Ouimette) and Titania (Jonathan Goad). Director Chris Abraham set the production around the wedding of a gay couple and then played with the mix of gender roles, having a male actor play Queen of the Fairies Titania and a female actress as Hermia's love Lysander. Accompanied by an adorable cast of child actors and other various characters, Abrahams production gave a whole new tone to Shakespeare's play and made such an impact that I will be returning at the end of the season to take part in the "on-stage" interaction experience.
Easily bewitching and a joy from start to finish, Chris Abraham has given Shakespeare lovers an irresistible new take on a classic that is sure to stand the test of time.
After seeing 'The Three Musketeers' just a week ago and not enjoying it as much as expected, I wasn't sure what Waiting for Godot would hold. Out of our theater clan, only my mother had read the play and was very nervous if we would like or think it was just way far out there. To our great surprise and by unanimous decision, Waiting for Godot is the biggest success of the Stratford 2013 season thus far.
Beckett's masterpiece follows the story of two men over the course of two days. Alone on an empty road, Estragon and Vladimir are waiting, waiting for Godot. He is to meet them on this road and fulfill a purpose that the two know will change their lives. As they wait, they meet a traveler named Pozzo and his servant Lucky who engage the two for a short time before continuing on this road. The two are left alone, and decide to return the next day to wait for Godot. The second day begins just as the first, and like the first, Estragon and Vladaimir meet Pozzo and Lucky once more. However, Pozzo and Lucky do not recognize them and do not remember meeting and discussing life with them the previous day. The two continue on their way, leaving Estragon and Vladimir alone once more: waiting for Godot. But even when the two decide to finally leave this road, they do not move and continue to wait.
After watching Beckett's masterpiece, I was immediately reminded of Tom Stoppard's Rozencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The two have no free will and are forced to play out the destiny written for them. Stoppard's play eventually leads the two to their death (SPOILER), and they find themselves doing it all over again. Beckett's characters are much like Stoppard's in their lack of will power and knowledge of their circumstances, and because of this Waiting for Godot requires top actors to fill some heavy and important shoes. Estragon (Stephen Ouimette) and Vladimir (Tom Rooney) were absolutely breathtaking and proved themselves true masters of absurd theater very quickly. Their relationship and interactions made Beckett's play an absolute joy to watch and left the audience thinking about life and our everyday choices in a whole new way. Their fellow comrade Pozzo (Brian Dennehy) was equally captivating and after watching Dennehy (and yes, I am talking about the TV, movie and Broadway legend) in his first ever Shakespeare I was extremely excited to see him act in a whole new light as Pozzo. He was beyond amazing, from the booming of his voice to his commanding stage presence. Lucky (Randy Hughson) was also amazing as a perfect opposite to Dennehy. Hughson spent most of his stage time carrying Pozzo's belongings, walking back and forth to serve Pozzo and completely silent. Only given one fairly long monologue, Hughson's role relied more on his movements rather than his thoughts and feelings, showing a more restrained form of acting that was not inferior to the others in any way. The four put together were a marvel and an absolute dream cast that I wish could be captured on film.
Since seeing Godot I have had nothing but absolute great things to say. I am so incredibly glad to have seen this production and would see it again in a heartbeat. My favorite trip to Stratford by far this season, but in the words of Samuel Beckett: "Nothing to be done"
For stage photos and videos from this production, visit
Yesterday marked Stratford trip two of six for the Walker clan. Even though we got in this season a bit late, Stratford never fails to provide us with an amazing day filled with a show, food and stunning change of scenery. And what a show we saw. Only our second comedy (following our trip to see 'The Matchmaker' just last year) and having read no Noël Coward works prior to Blithe Spirit, we didn't know what to expect. But as always, the actors of Stratford Shakespeare Festival gave amazing performances in the very theater we saw our first Stratford production in four years ago.
A fantastic comedy written in five days, Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit is a funny yet sophisticated comedy that tells the story of Charles, a wealthy man who has recently remarried. A novelist looking for incite , Charles and his new wife Ruth invite the town medium, Madame Arcati, to preform some "tricks" to be used in his latest novel about a suicidal fortune-teller. Excited but unaware of her mockery, Madame Arcati arrives at the house to perform a seance and while getting in touch with the other side discovers that someone there wants to speak with Charles. But when nothing happens and Madame Arcati leaves Charles first wife Elvira, who has been dead for seven years, suddenly appears. Only seen and heard by Charles, he must discover why and by whom Elvira was called back without losing the love and sanity of his new wife Ruth and the long lasting affections of Elvira.
It's not a secret that many actors in Stratford do two shows a season. Charles (Ben Carlson), Madame Arcati (Seana McKena), Dr. Bradman (James Blendick) and Edith (Susie Burnett) also star in the intense drama Mary Stuart, while Ruth (Sara Topham) stars as Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Elvira (Michelle Giroux) plays Portia in The Merchant of Venice. The casting of Blithe Spirit was spot onand couldn't have been better. We had seen Carlson, McKena and Topham is various shows before but had never seen a Stratford production with Michelle Giroux, one of my favorite actors in the entire production. From her absolutely gorgeous costume to the tone and inflection of her voice, she completely captured the spirit of Elvira and was a perfect opposite to Carlson. Likewise, Topham greatly captured the insanity and aggressiveness of Ruth as she tries to comprehend the situations she finds herself in. For a comedy with such sophisticated speech, Blithe Spirit gave audience members many good laughs and a look at some very sticky situations.
Blithe Spirit was truly entertaining and I would see over again in a heartbeat. Everything about it was wonderful and well-done, leaving us thankful to have seen it and hungry to see The Three Musketeers, Waiting for Godot, Mary Stuart and Othello in the next few weeks.
Clip One:
Elvira (Michelle Giroux) and Charles (Ben Carlson) speak for the first time
Clip Two:
Ruth (Sara Topham) tries to explain the situation that occurred following Madame Arcati's (Seana McKenna) "tricks" the other night
