Comments on: Wyly Opens With a Juvenile Dream

By: Joan

Joan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:50:12 +0000

Thanks to you both for your comments. The use of the space was inventive, but I thought it overworked the space more than it allowed time to dwell on what the actors were saying and how they were saying it.

By: KL

KL — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:19:24 +0000

My husband and I saw the very first preview performance and were absolutely delighted. I respect your review of the show but think you completely missed the mark. The childish nature of the fairies fit the mood of the play very well and you mentioned nothing of the constant building of the set with the chalk drawing throughout; a very nice touch we both thought. It was exciting to be in the presence of actors who were clearly having so much fun and joyfully inaugurating their new home. The dance party afterwards was not a ceasing of the play, rather a continuation that included the entire audience in the wedding celebration. The actors remained in character throughout the final party. The entirety of the play spoke of the new community this theater has brought to Dallas, (and after living in Chicago for several years I dare say this company holds its own with any I ever saw up there). While this may not be the Wyly’s best work, or even Moriarty’s, it’s a commendable start to this new season, and hopefully a new beginning for Dallas’ theater scene.

By: AndreasP

AndreasP — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:55 +0000

As I understand it, this party ending is not just an opening night stunt, but part of the production (it certainly was in the previews). I thought the very idea of extending the joyful wedding ceremony in the play to a real party for audience and cast alike was charming and provided a sense of joy and departure to all patrons of previews, premiere and later performances. It may not have been the greatest Shakespeare production ever, but it certainly was unique. To me, that performance had everything the Otello opening night with its lifeless audience (and unwanted speeches) across the street lacked so much: festivity, joy, commitment, and a lot to look forward for younger and older audiences.