All’s Well That Ends Well

All’s Well That Ends Well

The Drilling Company

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

July 15, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

You must see The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of All’s Well That Ends Well.  Director Karla Hendrick has masterfully condensed this Shakespeare comedy down to an enthralling two hours without an intermission.  The show is clear, concise, bold, intelligent, and funny.  Ms. Hendrick’s understanding of pace and timing brought this superb cast to perform as a well-knit ensemble.  Once again, The Drilling Company Shakespeare in the Parking Lot reigns as the best outdoor Shakespeare experience in the city.

Anwen Darcy & Michael Bernstein
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare int he Parking Lot

When Helena (played by Anwen Darcy) is parted from Bertram (played by Adam Huff), she confesses to his mother, the Countess (played by Elowyn Castle) that she is in love with him.  Helena travels to France to find him.  She plans to use the herbs and remedies she inherited from her father to heal the King (played by David Sitler), and in return request he marry her to the man of her choosing.  She is successful in her plan, yet when she chooses Bertram, he is reluctant due to her lower social status.  This calls for another, more cunning plan to change his mind.

Mary Linehan & Elowyn Castle
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Anwen Darcy and Adam Huff are excellent as Helena and Bertram.  Their chemistry and attraction is strong.  They play the push/pull of Shakespeare’s comic love extremely well.  Mary Linehan reigns as LaVatch, servant to the Countess.  She captures your attention and flirts with your emotions.  She is equally matched by Michael Bernstein as Parolles.  His is bold and energetic.  The scenes they have together are scintillating.  Another amazing duo is Eric Paterniani and Jarrod Bates.  They play numerous roles and are always together.  Their characterizations and comic timing are impeccable.  Elaine Ivy Harris creates a strong willed Diana whose free spiritedness brings the lovers, Helena and Bertram, together in the end (Oops!  Spoiler alert… but this IS a Shakespeare comedy).

Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

All’s Well That Ends Well runs for one more weekend (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 20-22, at 7:00 PM) at the Clemente Cultural & Educational Center Parking Lot.  Check the website for directions (shakespeareintheparkinglot.com). The Drilling Company’s summer season also includes Henry VI Part 3 from July 27 – Aug. 12 at the Parking Lot, and Twelfth Night and The Tempest at Bryant Park.  All these shows are FREE.  Make a plan to see them all!

Domenick Danza