Austin's Stuff We Make Festival

Bring art, music and culture in Austin

The 19 Austin artists, musicians, traders, fashion designers and other creative types to band together to bring to Austin in September, where we stuff Festival. From 19.00 to 12.00, and an adult audience 21 can have access to a unique arts and crafts the festival. This is definitely not your mother's craft market!

The Scoot Inn at 1308 E. 4th Street is the place to go for this for an art show, party and> Fixed. The organizers have the event, designed to discuss many aspects of creativity in the city. One of the cornerstones of the festival is the music. Local rock band from Hollywood Gossip, Lost Panjoma work and provide entertainment from 10:30 am, 9:30 and 8:30 respectively.

The event is centered on a fashion show designed by Tara Tonini, clothing and Jinxedaposed Malissa Long et al. Dainty Daisy Creations accessories and bags* Anne Marie will also be part of the event. The models are also part of alternative and creative scene of Austin. Ruby Joule, Coco Lectric, Goldie Pearl Jigglewats Candle and Lux (a team of burlesque models) and Varuca Assault, Barbe Rika, Mona Littlemore, Miss America Kill, Horror Show, the Mayan Mayhem and Moko Loko TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls Roller Derby team serve as models.

The real heart of the festival will be the supplier. The sellers are local artists,Artisans and designers who are re-imagined everything from vintage jewelry is hand made from recycled material clthes. Nepenthe's Bathtime Shop the sale of its novelty and traditional bath and body products (such as their popular soap shaped like a cupcake). Ape Gear offers the original designs for people of all age groups with original artwork, t-shirts, pillows, Sies prints and graphics.

Another popular provider, offers Chels-E.com colorful digital prints, handmadeBooks, newspapers and glass artisans. Diamonds and Guns is a manufacturer of jewelry, metal parts of the festival will take old photos and adds them. These vendors only scratch the surface of the large number of items that will be available for sale at this unique festival.

In addition to the purchase of unique handicrafts and clothing, you can also add your own at the festival. The Team Etsy Austin Booth have "do things" to make shirts and TeProjects. You can screen print your own design based on stand pressure.

Another of the evening's main event will be the skateboard art contest. Participants are asked to assess their own skateboard from artists like Jason Silver, Tom Cox, Anne Genung and many other local artists. Winners will receive gift baskets with local products, art and provides a place in the gallery presents future. All proceeds from the purchase order, we will go to street art, a non-profit, volunteerdriven art education program.

If you decide to participate in this unique event in Austin, arrive early. The first 100 visitors will receive a race packet To Make appointment with crafts and gift items.

Barcelona Events Family Festival and is worth a visit

Families with children and tourists are guaranteed to love their time in Barcelona, to visit many places and events and things to do when in town.

The traditions of Christmas, Dec. 12 visit is an event in Barcelona. This is a great Christmas market sees several children's games, musical performances and even a parade through the Carassa de Nadal, who is sweet.

The dolphin show atBarcelona Zoo is always a big hit with kids of all ages and their parents. The zoo is on display at the Ciutadella Park, and is usually written at the entrance of the zoo, which allows you to plan your visit and your day around the dolphin show. The aquarium is just as important a destination for groups with children in their parties. Children will be transparent through the shark tunnel, part of the aquarium is the love walk.

The Caga Tio is an event that offers a unique holidayGegant character named Tio. You can, at Christmas, see the way in Catalan to celebrate the feast of the children candy and a gift.

Also worth visiting Aqua Leon, a water park in the city, children go on safari water. The children go to see and learn more than 50 different species, while you're there, plus a lot of fun.

I love the boys and fathers are equally Camp NouTour The tour takes children on a guided tour of the football stadium in Barcelona, including the grounds, the pitch and the players dressing rooms.

If your children love the adventure, Marseme Outdoor Adventure Park is to win more of them immediately. The park has wooden bridges, giant swing, horse riding and archery, among many other activities that make fun guaranteed.

Gel Skating Club is frequented by locals and tourists and offers lessons and rental of real nominal dailyPrices. As a result, the team finishes at disadvantaged families looking for fun pursue on vacation.

Barcelona is also home to several theaters that put on display for children in particular, these events include puppet shows, games and workshops. The museums of the region also hosts workshops and special tours.

A jaundiced eye on the 2009 Stratford Festival Playbill

We scanned the Stratford Festival's announcement of its 2009 season with interest. If 2008 was a lineup loses a lot of money, as reported, the institution in 2009 to do better? (See my last article, "The leadership debacle at the Stratford Festival, artistic director of the fiasco at the Stratford Festival and its fatal consequences.)

More selfishly, how many of the shows I personally would like all the way from Rochester Trekto see New York in 2009? If we compare this year's lineup with next year and judge:

Hamlet (2008) vs. Macbeth (2009) (both at the Festival Theatre)

There is a box-office draw. Hamlet is the best known and most popular game in the world, and Ben Carlson gives a good performance. (See my review of this year's Hamlet.) But Macbeth is not that long, and witches and woodland on the move.

I will show the 2009? Maybe. Macbeth is low on my list of favorite Shakespeareplays.

Romeo and Juliet (2008) vs. A Midsummer Night's Dream (2009) (both at the Festival Theatre)

The show will draw in more likely 2009. Both appeal to romantics, but people expect, and probably will, as many of the effects Lion King-style special A Midsummer Night's Dream. production and the 2008 Romeo and Juliet is a disaster.

I will show the 2009? I hope so. It's not my favorite Shakespeare comedy because I do not laugh at his jokes right now. But I amwilling to give him a fair chance.

The Taming of the Shrew (2008 at the Festival Theater) vs. Julius Caesar (2009 at the Avon Theater)

The 2009 takes a better show. A lot of people know Julius Caesar from school. And it's better that the Taming of the Shrew, to avoid some people because it can be seen as misogynistic done.

I will show the 2009? Absolutely. I love Julius Caesar, and I've never seen on stage.

All's Well That Ends Well (2008) vsCyrano de Bergerac (Edmond Rostand) (2009) (both at the Festival Theatre)

In probable popularity, a tie. Shakespeare this year is not known, but there are enough different versions of the Cyrano story over the years that the public will. But arriving in large numbers sufficient to fill the theater for the festival? I doubt it.

As for me, my interest in Cyrano's just not as high. (We liked the end of this year, so goodWell, yes.)

Love's Labour's Lost (2008) vs. Bartholomew Fair (Ben Jonson) (2009) (both at the Tom Patterson Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2008. The public does not know or to play, but Shakespeare has more fans than Ben Jonson, and this year, Love's Labour's Lost is a delight.

I'll see Bartholomew Fair? I hope so. Undeterred by eye-glasses Edward II several years ago, I try another Elizabethan playwright.

Fuente Ovejuna (2008) compared toThree Sisters (2009) (both at the Tom Patterson Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2009. Theater-goers who only want "fun" takes control away from seeing Chekhov. But see Chekhov before they can buy tickets to a play 400 years, the Spanish have never heard.

I will show the 2009? Maybe. We have seen a remarkable good performance of the three sisters of the Shaw Festival several years ago, and I never watch the game. But there may be anticipated. IfMartha Henry is also a director, could tip the scales in favor.

Caesar and Cleopatra (2008) vs The Importance of Being Earnest (2009) (both at the Avon Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2009. Of course, Christopher Plummer is a tie, but who wants to miss Brian Bedford in drag? Stratford Festival patrons love Oscar Wilde.

For our part, we thought that the production of "The Importance of Being Earnest at the festival several years ago, Shawcould not be improved, but we love the game and can not see too often. And Bedford's killing us.

The Trojan Women (2008 at the Avon Theater) vs. Phedre (by Racine) (2009 at the Tom Patterson Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2009. classical works have a strong appeal. But you might also suspect that the interest of French Canadians would pull the Racine play better.

We want to see Phedre. Our interest in the French classics was stimulated by a long time agocollege course in French literature (in translation), and we regret the lack of other promising opportunities, played by French master playwright to watch.

The Music Man (2008 at the Avon Theater) vs. West Side Story (2009 at the Theatre Festival)

In probable popularity, a tie. But most tickets are sold Theatre Festival West Side Story in the larger ones.

But probably not. West Side Story leaves me cold, as I mentioned in a previous post praiseBernstein's Wonderful Town, playing in the Shaw Festival this year.

Cabaret (2008) vs a funny thing happened on the way to the Forum (2009) (both at the Avon Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2008. Sondheim A Funny Thing is a better show in my opinion, but it was a Broadway Cabaret, warm in Toronto, and on the big screen for the last ten years.

We want to see the 2009 show. A Funny Thing Happened is on the Way to the Forum is a hilariously funnyShow with a score much. And we will need something lighter after a heavy dose of the classics.

There is love (2008) vs. Ever yours, Oscar (2009) (both at the Tom Patterson Theater)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2009. The combination of Oscar Wilde and Brian Bedford will pull in

I will show the 2009? Probably not. Somehow we are not going to see shows of readings.

Hughie / Krapp's Last Tape (2008) compared to offenders (by Morris Panych)(2009)

Palmer Park (2008) vs Zastrozzi (George Walker) (2009)

Moby Dick (2008) vs. Rice Boy (by Sunil Kuruvilla) (2009) (all in the Studio Theatre)

In probable popularity, an edge to 2008. People know and like Brian Dennehy (Hughie / Krapp 's Last Tape), and each one of Melville's novel. It may be that all three Canadian divisions are scheduled for 2009 in Canada, but Americans in general do not know.

I will be one of 2009 shows theStudio Theatre? Probably not. If I do, it can play Panych. We saw his work as a director at the Shaw Festival. Affirmative action program of the Stratford Festival of The Canadian playwrights is fine, but the Festival should understand that its numerous American patrons, or if there is a Canadian playwright.

Honestly, look at the 2009 season as a whole, do not see why the management of the Stratford Festival would be toExpect the most profitable of the 2008 poster. This is a good financial decision to make a great musical theater back to the festival. And personally I'm glad the opportunity to see Racine and Ben Jonson. But besides the Shakespeare plays, the only game right seems likely to draw full houses The Importance of Being Earnest.

Personally I am disappointed that only three Shakespeare plays in 2009 introduced - a bit 'ironic, now that they changed the namethe Stratford Shakespeare Festival. I wanted to play a story in this year, like Richard II or Henry V. I regret not mollified by the Festival, "that the two musicals have roots in Shakespeare is weak inside.

And I'm seriously disappointed that no Shakespeare play is for the year 2008 in the Tom Patterson Theatre expected. Shakespeare works best in this place than in any other theater in Stratford, and perhaps better than any other theatereverywhere.

Sun Peaks Food and Wine Festival, Okanagan Wine Country - all year

For lovers of wine and good food, Sun Peaks in British Columbia is a must, with food and wine fairs, vineyards and gourmet restaurants from all over the United States and Canada. There are festivals and events throughout the year celebrating the fruits of the glory of Okanagan Wine Country in British Columbia.

Autumn Wine Festival - October

, Followed by the fall Bounty Festival (see below) if applicable, the wine festival is a celebrationThe collection (and possibly bad luck in some of the work). Wine Route, Fine Dining Sun Peaks restaurants, workshops, art and music: All elements of cultural life for more Sun Peaks' are included in more than 165 events over ten days, the case of wine festivals are for 1 to 11 October 2009 and 30. scheduled for September October 10, 2010.

The Bounty of Fall Festival - October

Sun Peaks Resort hosts this year's third edition Autumn Bounty, which offers the best ofRegion of art, wine and food in a presentation of three days.

In addition to insights into the new crop products by local boutique wineries, there are also more relaxed events catering to young people and will be prepared together with tapas of some of the most beautiful scenery with the best local wines. finger food to five star hotel with five-star wines - a must for relaxing after work. The Autumn Bounty Festival held October 9 - 11 2009th

Winter Wine Fest (formerly Ice Wine Festival) - January

This unique festival combines spectacular Sun Peaks ski fields with the region as a great wine tradition. Enjoy the most beautiful region of the mixtures in the fresh mountain air, snow-covered Sun Peaks Resort, which hosted, led and taught by some of the best chef in Sun Peaks', sommeliers and winemakers. The festival has been expanded in the long case for a week. The 12th annual Winter Wine> Festival will be held January 16 to 24 January 2010 and will include seminars WineMaster "dinner, the taste of Sun Peaks Progressive tasting, along with new events such as Mixology.

Spring Wine Festival - May

With over a hundred events, Spring Wine Festival is the food. Designed to surround mix of unique flavors of wine and food is produced and in Sun Peaks, the festival is a great way to celebrategrowth. The Spring Wine Festival will be held from April 8, 2010-May 29.

Summer Wine Festival - August

For each process interested in wine making (and sampling the final product!), Sun Peaks Summer Wine Festival is a must. In addition to host events at local restaurants, enjoy the best food, wine and art in the region has to offer, festival-goers can participate in seminars and workshops, which offer a fascinatingbehind the scenes understanding of wine or a crash course in wine appreciation. The Summer Wine Festival includes activities in the mountains, so that a new appreciation for what is otherwise known as a ski resort. Think of flowers and sunshine - bliss. The next Summer Wine Festival 2010 is scheduled for August 5 to 7.

Sun Peaks Festival of Wine and Culture - July

Held in three days, wine and culture Festival combines art, crafts, musicand wine in a full calendar of events and workshops. The main themes of the festival are classical music, art exhibitions and - of course - wine tasting of the best regional wines, accompanied by tapas. Public participation is strongly recommended to start with chairlift rides through lush banquet, tours of local restaurants followed, where artists exhibit their work and leadership, guests can eat and drink their way through some of the most beautiful areas, or simply relax to the soundclassical quartets, quintets and orchestras in the village square.

An inspector calls on the Shaw Festival (a review)

The Inspector Calls, in October at the Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario) is a cleverly designed game classic mystery, full of twists and turns right at the right time, a sure bet for an evening's entertainment. (I rant about the strong ideological content of this game in a separate article). The Shaw Festival presentation is more than competent, but we were disappointed.

And 'a pleasure, year after year, until Benedict Campbell saw the ShawFestivals>. What outstanding, versatile actor! Six years ago he was a faithful follower brilliant Lear, the Earl of Kent, the Stratford Festival (with Christopher Plummer as Lear plays). Since then, fortunately, in Shaw, where two years ago, had to be really emotional and touching Kelli Fox representation of the complex relationship between John and Elizabeth Proctor in the crucible. Last year we were surprised to see him sing and dance inMack and Mabel, strong and in which alone has set the tone for the production fabulous Shaw.

This year, the Inspector of JB Priestley thriller Campbell, and he has just solved the problem and authoritative presence that the role requires. He is in fact so convincing as an agent of British police, many in our audience seemed to difficulties with the possibility that he must be something completely different. Moreover, the public is very Priestleyreferences, beginning with the Inspector Goole called. "However, I think many left the Festival Theater surprised exactly what happened to the family was actually Birling.

The set of An Inspector Calls provides a great platform that rotates 180 degrees imperceptibly during the piece, move with the actors and props. (A friend told us that late in a dress rehearsal, this platform had collapsed under the weight of the actors and had strengthened.) HisObjective seems to be that the public, as new revelations about the characters Birling fact see their lives differently, and the public they need to see from different perspectives and teaching. (As stated in my previous post, Priestley's objective in this game is so much to indoctrinate as it's fun.)

And, indeed, shocking revelations about the meetings between the unfortunate Eva Smith and several members of the Birling family come to keep the publicThe sums in breaking what he thought was the next turn in the plot.

All said and done is missing, but football was out of this thriller. The revelatory moment in the last act, you should run chills up and down the back have came and went without chills. We never had the sense of a mysterious light, which flew by chance on the edge of the crowd. A female figure (which had no lines) appeared confused on the scene between scene changes for no apparent reason. When Arthur andSybil Birling, two of our very popular actors, Peter Hutt and Mary Haney was not allowed to demonstrate her dramatic range and left us flat.

The Shaw Festival artistic director Jackie Maxwell, now control their sixth season seems to follow the practice of his predecessor, Christopher Newton, in allocating at least one slot in a season program, something in the mystery / thriller genre, it sounds like Laura, Sorry Wrong Number, and Agatha Christie adaptations. HereI am reminded that our worst experience at the Shaw Festival involved a piece of this slot, 2006, The Invisible disastrous. The sets and costumes were magnificent, the special effects are superb, and the highest standard. But what he had paid mediocre material to work with! Play the "tension" in which the invisible parts of Griffin's body were revealed during the first scene was about as exciting as a slasher film in which young people always begins in the first cutfive minutes. Nothing to build something, and the invisible man was himself a Johnny-one-note whine. We never know all the characters well enough to take care of them, the playwright and not two important characters, Dr. Kemp and his wife, was to introduce the game to the highest. This year is more like An Inspector Calls.

The Stratford Festival 2007 - Poor Merchant

Tradition or the struggle for free from her is really strange.

Its risk non-conventional means, means attacking his head out.

And like it or leave it, which is very strong for the Arts. We do not like the stick his neck in Canada, unless we happen to hang a sign tells us this is art, should be of interest. The public does not know how this kind of arrogance. Our good art tends to cook in a slow done for years by wind and storm and massiveUnpopularity. But so be it.

artistic director of the Canadian Opera Company, Richard Bradshaw, the severity of the city is divided into two patrons during his early years in Toronto with the public with all sorts of strange productions Sat I never forget a version directed by Martha Clarke-The Magic Flute the queen of the night was climbing in and out of a cabinet in a common format-Weimar Republic-inspired firefighter. Speaking of brave unpopularity.

Bradshaw's UpLobby, had presented the work of Toronto strictly with horns, petticoats, and the rest of the way stereotypical opera. Toronto was not ready for a visionary (some would say arrogant) tactics.

Times have changed, "Bradshaw said. The success of COCs is a testament to the commitment Bradshaw is thoughtful and presents challenging new visions of traditional dishes. Reading COC traditional and modern "Faust last winter wasIt 's a miracle.

It takes a special talent, seamless integration of old and new, modern and old offset, recontextualize of old material, while the emotional heart of a piece intact.

The works of William Shakespeare can not, on the surface, to modernize, but the timelessness of his work works well to adapt to new interpretations and creative staging. Many great British director, including Adrian Noble, Richard Eyre and Jonathan Kent, have proved again and again that Shakespeare should not be straight jacketed into "traditional" productions.

The danger is that the blind a lot of determination to pursue new ideas, leaving the beauty of the original, often left drive Actor evil in the modern age, and baffling public, or worse yet, completely indifferent.

This is the challenge facing director Richard Rose with the current production of The Merchant of Venice at StratfordFestivals>.

Festival is often considered a difficult game, who took over the traditional works much the possibility of Rose, which is the foundation necessary experimental artistic director of Angel, a Toronto-based theater specializing in smaller, more.

The results are mixed, although unfortunately apathetic.

The opening scene is bustling bacchanal pulsing with music and flashing lights, the players to wear face masks on two-man, pig, on the other side gives us the feeling of beingmorally helpless in a sea of hedonism.

A table is to remember an austere version of communion set. nuances as Christ became clear as Antonio, the merchant is entitled, as a figure of Jesus, with a trace of agitation disciples.

Scott Wentworth, the performance of the dealer license is alternately angry, funny, proud and anxious. Yet the soft under which delivers his lines to create a disconnect in some way; Antonio is only afast-talking businessman, or is he in a hurry to get to the next meeting of Disco? Instead of feeling for him, we struggle to capture what he says most of the time.

The comfort with which the words of Shakespeare Wentworth provides arguments against the obvious discomfort of Graham Greene. His Shylock is furious, of course, if somehow not fully human. Like many, he provides a version of a character than a real person. Shylock is not as funny or patheticCharacter, as much as a tabula rasa on which every Christian character heaps his scorn.

What a joke. The production seems determined to bring the worst in every character, no matter how big or small. Ron Kennell of Launcelot Gobbo is all seen through the eyes slit and fawning praise, while Gareth Potter, Bruce Jacob James Dow and a cartoon evoke softness gangsters with their shouting insults and physical intimidation.

The modern look of the production is cool, fresh,and not all of the lush Venice, we know from the film version. Instead of the bearded Shylock glittering robes, get clean-shaven, suited Graham Greene. Instead of Venetians with big hats and ladies in shorts corsets, jackets get bias-cut dresses and pint-band oddly-short/long. Instead pillowy lush Venice get cold steel and jagged edges, where religious processions to materialize from nowhere and Jesus preachers selling vintage tees on the market.

So where are we?Adorned with a Dandy-fascist Venice? Planet or Boo-Jew? This is a cartoon, and Rose finds few moments when the humor that allows his actors away jug (the scene with various suitors Portia comes to mind), it feels strangely out of place all the severity of workpiece subtext. Although not one of his best games, is Shakespeare write scenes in contrast to Portia / Nerissa and Antonio, Shylock for a reason: it also contained wires Bassanio and Graziano bind them together,Linkage of their subjects and characterss. It 'a shame, as a director Rose trust the material and explore more deeply these pathways.

However, there are some fascinating small concerts. Rose has decided to locate the reproduction of the sole with the small role of moral compass Salerio, as interpreted by Paul Amos, a small but incredibly intense performance. The scene in church as anti-Semitic Salerio warned his comrades on Palm Sunday, is a good representation of conflicting ideologies, and I wasWish that the tension throughout the rest of the game, especially as worn, according to Dow Solanio Bully Bruce, and Jacob James 'mocking Salarino, looking angrily silent clash Amos'.

However, any sense of tension in world views between the moral character out the window, while the court has laid the scene in which Shylock by Antonio "the disciple is mocked.

In what was one of the most shocking and disturbing scenes of the game (in Shylock is forced to convert)There is a noticeable lack of seriousness, horror and loss. It remains only a school bully mentality, thinking hardly. Oh, and quite a few guys in suits ridiculous to the future.

All this means vitality and uneven landscape further isolating the audience experience, no matter how many modern twist.

So while I was the courage of Rose in experiments, many styles and references applaud the mix, and I felt lost, and honestly, not emotionally affectedEnd of game. The Merchant of Venice seems to many islands, a real city without so many parts without a whole truth.

I wanted to end, with Jessica sing a Jewish prayer that Topol was magically appear and make everything right again.

Oh, just a dream.

All's well that ends well at the Stratford Festival - A Review

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to see a production of Othello last winter at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which was directed by Marti Marades. I was so impressed in the direction of his intelligence, cohesion, and was happy to see me, from his work in Stratford later in the year more. I was disappointed in All's Well That Ends Well.

Challenges would think that something good or gifts for a Director of Othello, because the game itself has such aserious internal problems that can only be glossed over, never resolved. Moreover, the story of Othello is familiar to many theatergoers, 's good, everything ends well is not known, nor is the plot particularly memorable. With these games can not be a director for granted that the audience understand everything that is not explained clearly.

In important ways, the plot of All's Well That Ends Well only your credulity. As the story begins, Bertram (Jeff Lillico), thethe only son of the widow Countess of Rossillion (Martha Henry), leaving the house is called to join the court of the king of France (Brian Dennehy), who is dying. Between the tears of this separation is effected by Helena (Daniela Vlaskalic), a beautiful young woman who lives by a department of the Countess after the recent death of his father, an eminent physician.

Helena cries because she has fallen madly in love with Bertram - hopelessly, because it has BertramThe interest in it and because their different stations in life have a game in any case impossible. But why should love Bertram?

At first he learns from his mouth Elena (himself) that the attraction is physical, and we are in this view confirmed when shortly after, she is a comic exchange with Bertram's servant Parolles (Juan Chioran) on the merits of started virginity.

But how does the play, Bertram shows cowardly and unmanly.Under pressure the king to marry Helena (who healed the king with a recipe inherited from his father), Bertram insults Helena and then pretends to embrace marriage, making secret plans for escape. Later in the game, they fled to Italy, as a soldier to avoid sleeping with his wife, tried to Diana (Leah Oster) a respectable young virgin of Florence, then seduce, to save his own skin, defames her as a bitch.

As an audience we Bertram hated thoroughly. Stillto know everything, Helen never wavered in his desire for a husband. have failed to live in the house with them as she could see his character? And because its flaws are exposed as a disgrace in the world, as it might still want him?

Elena in constant pursuit of Bertram is inexplicable. Equally hard to believe that everyone seems to play except Bertram is knowing that his friend and follower Parolles sliced a braggart and a coward. Bertram may be a CAD, but hardlyseems to be a madman. Why does it take to convince a clever trick to Parolles Bertram has an unworthy friend?

Marti Marades perfect race but the production of All's well that ends well together, despite the improbability game keeps beautifully. Where the Bard a topic touched on during the game helps us move Marades points. For example, introduce and Parolles Helena themes of virginity and procreation, the game begins, the clown Lavaca (Tom Rooney) developsdoor strangely profound comic speeches, Diana and her circle in a scene of late.

Above all, this is a play about our universal experience of pain, loss and resignation of the Countess highlight Lament:

My heart is heavy, and my life is weak;

The pain would be tears and sorrow bids me speak.

(Act III, Scene 5). It would be easy for a director looking for energy, too weak the story that the waste at the expense of the poetry of the play. Lesshere.

We loved to be funny (and almost cruel) scene in which the blindfolded Parolles as a liar and a deceiver unmasked. But this exhibition presents a series of outstanding achievements. The tireless Ben Carlson (who played an energetic Hamlet on the same day we saw all's well that Ends Well) brought the best of his supporting role as First Lord Dumaine. Fiona Reid, as the widow Capilet and Michelle Fisk, as Mariana, were both delicious.

And, of course, the beautiful andgracious Martha Henry, the veteran Stratford actress, is perfectly cast as the Countess of Rossillion. What gives me more time on this show do not forget, however, is the performance of Tom Rooney as a philosopher Lavaca faceted comedian.

Unfortunately there are no weak performances. More disappointing was that of Helen, as Daniela Vlaskalic. He said his lines in an unnatural, almost sing-song manner not learn from Martha Henry, his voice projectin a big theater, with no expression and meaning. Most vibration performance was that of Leah Oster, who inexplicably gave season All's Well That Ends Well the same midwestern elongated apparently used as Marian the Librarian in The Music Man, which was part of the Stratford Festival 's 2008 and I could not help feeling that Brian Dennehy, as the king of France, saved his energy for something else.

The program makes this productionof All's Well That Ends Well (probably written around 1602) is set in 1889. As usual with the deplorable practice of Shakespeare plays in different time periods, led to this troubling inconsistencies.

I was the historical fact that in 1889, was one hundred years had neglected, as was a king of France. But I have more difficulty with Helena and her "pilgrimage had." After the text of the play (Act III, scene 5), Helena has come to Florence in disguise,claims to be a pilgrim, a holy place. (Her real purpose in Florence, is to follow her husband and obtain her marital rights).

Students of European social history can correct me, but my feeling is that the practice of pilgrimages on foot along to religious shrines have long been extinct until 1889. And if it were a woman wearing a Vlaskalic Helena "pilgrim" disguise in these scenes I do not see it. Again, the "modern" setting served only to confusionProperties.