Pioneer Theatre Company’s EMMA is a delight

L-R: Jordan Coughtry (Frank) and Nisi Sturgis (Emma). Photo by Alexander Weisman.

SALT LAKE CITY — To begin, I must make a confession: though I am an avid Jane Austen reader, Emma is not my favorite Austen novel or character; she’s rich, spoiled, and she meddles in other people’s business. Austen herself said of Emma, “I am going to take a heroine whom no-one but myself will much [...]

Love to hate "Richard III" at Utah Shakes

CEDAR CITY — I’ve been reading and watching Shakespeare plays for half of my life and I like to consider myself well versed in the Bard’s work. However, there has been one gaping hole in my knowledge of Shakespeare’s work: the histories. Quite frankly, the histories are not as frequently produced in Utah—or elsewhere in [...]

“Macbeth” Thrills are Nonstop

CEDAR CITY — Before diving into this production, I must admit that Macbeth is my favorite Shakespeare play.  It was the first one I read and it converted me to the Bard for life.  Over ten years later, I’m still enthralled by this text and its story of assassinations, madness, and the supernatural.  Therefore, I [...]

“Much Ado” is delightfully too short an evening

CEDAR CITY — Come with me to 17th Century Messina for Shakespeare’s ever enjoyable Much Ado about Nothing. Step into the Utah Shakespearean Festival’s Globe Theatre, and prepare to be regaled by 400-year-old jokes so fresh that you’ll laugh the night away.