Encore Michigan

A Winter’s Tale: A minimalist pleasure for Bard fans

Review June 20, 2015
There’s something about opening “The Winter’s Tale” on the weekend of the summer solstice that’s as cheeky as Shakespeare’s story. Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company presented... Continue Reading

An unforgettable “King Lear” in Detroit

Review April 10, 2015
Don’t have weekend plans? Lucky you. Shakespeare in Detroit’s "King Lear" is the best Michigan production of a Shakespeare play that I’ve ever seen. Frannie... Continue Reading

Beatrice and Benedick go to camp

Review August 03, 2013
It's touted as a play for those who may be "new to or unsure of Shakespeare," but this year's Water Works Theatre matinee family show,... Continue Reading

Making merry outdoors with the Bard

Review August 03, 2013
The first word in "The Merry Wives of Windsor" is "merry" (OK, technically it's "the," but come on) and Paul Hopper's Water Works Theatre production... Continue Reading

Oliver Goldsmith meets Lucy and Desi

Review July 29, 2013
By Michael H. Margolin The Michigan Shakespeare Festival's production of Oliver Goldsmith's 18th century "She Stoops to Conquer" has been cleverly updated to 1957, which,... Continue Reading

‘Measure’ encounters problems with challenging production

Review June 21, 2013
Pigeon Creek Shakespeare continues to deserve commendation for having the courage to tackle the Bard's more difficult plays. "Measure for Measure" is considered a problem... Continue Reading

Allegiance, alfresco

Review June 15, 2013
By Carolyn Hayes A king's obligation to a fellow empire, a servant's commitment to his master, a spouse's fidelity – these variations on the notion... Continue Reading

Muddled Shakespeare dramedy strains to measure up

Review March 21, 2013
By Carolyn Hayes Detroit's Elizabeth Theater Company, reaffirming its dedication to Shakespeare, now returns to the Bard for the second time with "Measure for Measure."... Continue Reading