Review: In Chicago, two Shakespeare comedies leave audiences with two different levels of satisfaction

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NexusGlyph

Chicago's Shakespearean offerings have been sparse lately, with two plays that couldn't be more different in their approach to bringing the Bard's comedies to life.

Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew" is a challenging production that tackles its own problematic elements head-on. While its intentions are admirable, the execution falls short. The play's convoluted experiments with power dynamics and role-playing left this reviewer underwhelmed. The set design by Jackie Fox is beautiful, but the overall show is frustrating, even dull.

In contrast, Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" is a masterclass in understated honesty. Her production balances symmetry with a gentle invitation into the world of Sicily, where the perfect setting and lighting evoke an airy make-believe atmosphere. Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay deliver outstanding performances as Benedick and Beatrice, their chemistry on stage undeniable.

Cadell's attention to detail and focus on the text are impressive, and her handling of the production's tonal challenges is noteworthy. This is a production that doesn't apologize for its approach but instead presents a thoughtful exploration of Shakespeare's comedy. It's a testament to Cadell's skill as a director that she finds balance in an otherwise tricky play.

While both productions have their merits, they demonstrate that there are different ways to tackle the same material. "The Taming of the Shrew" may be bold, but it's also confusing and misguided, whereas "Much Ado About Nothing" is a testament to the power of careful balance and understated honesty.
 
🤔 just saw this review about these Chicago Shakespeare productions and I gotta say, I'm totally on board with Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" vibe 🎭💫! The way she balances tone and atmosphere is everything - it feels like you're transported to Sicily without feeling forced into anything. Marti Lyons' production of "The Taming of the Shrew" sounds like a hot mess, though 😳. I mean, who wants to watch a show that's all about role-playing and power dynamics? Not me! Give me the understated honesty of Cadell's production any day 💯🎬.
 
🤔 The thing about these Shakespeare productions is that they're always trying to be something else, you know? Like, some director is all, "I'm gonna make this play super experimental and edgy" 🎨, while others are like, "I'm just gonna trust the text and let it speak for itself" 💫. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a good bold move as much as the next person, but sometimes you just want to see what Shakespeare was really trying to say in the first place 🤷‍♀️. These two productions are proof that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to bringing Shakespeare to life... and honestly? That's kinda refreshing 😊
 
so like i was just thinking about how theatre productions can really showcase different styles and approaches to the same material... in this case, both plays by Shakespeare are super different, but they're still basically about the same thing 🤔. one's all about being bold and trying new things (which sounds cool on paper but didn't quite work out in reality), while the other one takes a more understated approach that lets the play speak for itself... i think it's really interesting how both productions have their own strengths and weaknesses 🎭. what do you guys think about when you watch live theatre?
 
I'm glad to see Chicago theatre is shaking things up with Shakespearean plays, but I gotta say Marti Lyons' take on "The Taming of the Shrew" felt like it was missing the mark for me 🤔. Don't get me wrong, I love that they're tackling problematic elements head-on, but for me, the execution just didn't quite land. Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" on the other hand, is a total game-changer 🎉. Her attention to detail and focus on the text is impressive, and it's clear she knows how to balance tone with subtlety. It's like they're saying 'we can make Shakespeare funny and fresh without sacrificing the core of the story'. That's what I'm here for!
 
🤔 I'm kinda loving how these Chicago Shakespearean productions are shaking things up! Like, one play gets all experimental and tries to tackle some heavy themes, but it ends up being kinda meh 🙄. On the other hand, we have this other production that's like, super chill and understated, and it just works so well 😌. I mean, who doesn't love a good balance of symmetry and subtle atmosphere? And those lead performances? 🔥 Perfect chemistry between Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay, you feel me? 🤗 The only thing that's weird is that they're basically saying two different things about the same material... like, how do we even talk about tackling problematic elements in a Shakespeare play? 🤷‍♀️ Still, I think it's dope that there are people out there who are willing to take risks and try new things. 💫
 
I mean, I'm not surprised by this review tbh...like, how can you make The Taming of the Shrew work when its very premise is kinda messed up? 🤷‍♀️ It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and expecting it to work out. On the other hand, Much Ado About Nothing is just a beautifully executed, no-frills production that lets the words speak for themselves...I mean, who doesn't love a good underplayed performance? 😎 The set design in Marti Lyons' production looked hella pretty but overall, I think I'd rather watch Selina Cadell's "Much Ado" any day. 👏
 
OMG, just saw the review for Chicago's Shakespearean productions 🤯! Honestly thought Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew" was gonna be fire 🔥 but sadly it felt like it missed the mark 🎯. Meanwhile Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" is straight fire 💥, her attention to detail & balance is everything 🤩! Can't wait to see both productions live 🎭👏
 
I gotta say, I'm really loving the diversity in Chicago's Shakespearean scene rn! 🤩 Both productions have their own vibes and approaches to bringing the Bard's comedies to life. Like, "The Taming of the Shrew" is trying to tackle some heavy issues head-on, but it feels a bit disjointed and frustrating at times... 😐 But, you know what they say, "better safe than sorry"... right? 🤓 And then there's "Much Ado About Nothing", which is all about subtlety and finding that perfect balance. I'm so here for Selina Cadell's approach to directing - she's like a master of understated magic ✨! Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay are killing it as Benedick and Beatrice too... their chemistry on stage is giving me all the feels ❤️!
 
[ GIF of a duck facing a mirror ] 🦆👀

[Two theater masks side by side, one looks good (Much Ado) and one looks bad (The Taming)]

[A split-screen image with a Shakespearean play on one side looking over-the-top, then suddenly switching to a more understated approach]
 
I'm still not entirely convinced by Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew". I mean, I get what she's trying to do, which is highlight the problematic elements of the play... but at what cost? It feels like a heavy-handed approach that overshadows the actual story. The set design is nice, don't get me wrong! 😊 But overall, it just didn't resonate with me.

On the other hand, Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" is a different beast altogether. I loved how she took the time to balance out the tone and setting – it really made the play feel like a character in its own right. Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay are absolutely brilliant as Benedick and Beatrice, too! 💫 The attention to detail and care that went into this production is impressive, but what I think sets it apart is how confident Cadell is in her approach. She doesn't shy away from the challenges of the play, but instead presents a thoughtful exploration that's both fun and nuanced. 🤔
 
I don't get why anyone would think Marti Lyons' production of The Taming of the Shrew is bold 🤔 - just because they're tackling problematic elements head-on doesn't mean it's executed well, imo 👎. I mean, have you seen the set design? Beautiful! But overall, it feels like a mess to me... Meanwhile, Selina Cadell's Much Ado About Nothing is like the ultimate example of subtlety - she knows just when to pull back and let the actors shine ✨. The chemistry between Bedard and Hay is insane 🔥, and I love how they balance out Benedick and Beatrice's banter...
 
Ugh 🤯 I'm still reeling from that review of Marti Lyons' production of The Taming of the Shrew...like what was she thinking? 😂 I get that it's supposed to be challenging, but confusing and frustrating is not exactly what I'm looking for in a Shakespearean experience. And don't even get me started on the set design 🤷‍♀️, it looks beautiful or whatever, but if the whole show is dull and frustrating, then what's the point? 💀 On the other hand, Selina Cadell's Much Ado About Nothing though... 😍 that's a masterclass in understated magic. I need to see that production ASAP 👀
 
I've been meaning to check out these Shakespearean productions in Chicago... 👀 I think the most interesting thing about this article is how it highlights the different approaches to bringing Shakespeare's comedies to life. Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew" sounds like a bold move, but if the execution isn't there, it can come across as confusing and off-putting 🤔.

On the other hand, Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" seems like a much more considered take on the play. I love how she's managed to find balance between setting and performance – it sounds like a really immersive experience ✨. And it's great that she's not afraid to take risks with her approach, but also knows when to dial it back.

It makes me think about how different art forms can be influenced by the times we're living in... 🤯 Maybe this is an example of how theatre can adapt Shakespeare's plays to fit our modern perspectives? Whatever the reason, I'm definitely intrigued by both productions and would love to see them for myself 😊
 
I gotta say, I'm loving this Shakespeare revival in Chicago 🎭👏. But what really caught my attention is how these two productions show that you can bring the Bard's comedies to life in totally different ways without sacrificing their essence. Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew" is all about pushing boundaries and challenging our assumptions, whereas Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" takes a more subtle approach that still packs a punch.

It makes me wonder if we need to have these conversations around power dynamics and representation in the first place? I mean, I love how both productions are tackling tough topics head-on, but maybe it's time for us to rethink what we're trying to say instead of just trying to say something 🤔. Anyway, I'm hyped to see more of this kind of bold and innovative thinking in Chicago's theatre scene 💖
 
🤔 I was a bit underwhelmed by Marti Lyons' take on "The Taming of the Shrew". Don't get me wrong, tackling problematic elements head-on is definitely important but I feel like they kinda ended up making it even more confusing 🤯. Meanwhile, Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" is just perfect 💕. That Sicilian setting is EVERYTHING 😍 and the way Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay brought Benedick and Beatrice to life was pure magic ✨. It's great to see two different approaches to Shakespeare's comedy and I think it shows that sometimes less is more 👌.
 
I gotta say, I'm loving this production of Much Ado about Nothing 🤩 - Selina Cadell's direction is pure perfection, man. She gets that balance thing down pat, you know? It's like she's inviting you into this beautiful Sicilian world and just lets the words speak for themselves.

And those performances by Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay? Forget about it! They're like two old souls in love, their chemistry is real 🔥. But, on the other hand, I'm still trying to wrap my head around that Taming of the Shrew production... it's like Marti Lyons' intentions are good, but they just didn't quite land for me 🤔.

It's cool to see these two different takes on Shakespeare's comedies - sometimes you need a bold statement, and other times you need some understated magic. Both productions have their moments, but if I had to pick one... yeah, I'd go with Much Ado all the way! 😎
 
🤔 I mean, I love seeing different approaches to Shakespeare, especially since his plays can get kinda old after a while. But honestly, one play felt like it was trying too hard to be edgy & cool, you know? 🙅‍♂️ I get where Marti Lyons is coming from with "The Taming of the Shrew", but for me, the execution just didn't quite land. On the other hand, Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" just felt like a perfect summer night - it was all sunshine and romance 🌴. The cast was amazing too, especially Mark Bedard & Deborah Hay as Benedick & Beatrice. They had such great chemistry on stage! 💕
 
🌟 I'm loving how Chicago's Shakespeare scene is giving us two vastly different takes on The Bard's comedies! 🤔 Marti Lyons' "The Taming of the Shrew" had some cool ideas about tackling problematic elements, but to be honest, it just didn't quite work for me. 😐 And Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing"? 🙌 total perfection! The way she balanced tone and setting was like a masterclass in understated magic ✨. Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay's chemistry on stage was giving me all the feels ❤️, and I think we need more productions like this one that take careful consideration to get it right 💯.
 
omg i loved reading about Selina Cadell's "Much Ado About Nothing" 🤩 she totally nailed it! i mean i've seen some productions where they try too hard to be fancy but cadell's approach is like, refreshingly simple yet effective. and can we talk about mark bedard and deborah hay's chemistry on stage? 💕 i'm definitely going to check out marti lyons' "the taming of the shrew" though, even if it sounds a bit confusing... maybe i just need someone to explain it to me 😅
 
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