Measure for Measure (Seeing Place Theater)

See it if you’d like to experience a stripped-down, clear rendering of Shakespeare’s #MeToo play.

Don't see it if small theater spaces intimidate you: the audience is so close here that it just about becomes a character in the drama.

Also As rendered by Seeing Place Theater in its current lean production, Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” is no longer a “problem” play. The play is clear as day. The problem is ours: Why do we as a society continue to let men in power routinely abuse women who have less social standing, people those very men are charged with protecting? The small space at Paradise plays to the production’s strengths. So many scenes, even those that don’t take place in a courtroom, have the feel of a trial, & we the audience are the jury. The production’s stripped-down esthetic necessitates doubling & tripling of roles, & this works so well for the most part that I won’t complain that it also robs us of seeing all those couples at the end. And it has the advantage of giving the final moment to a luminous Isabella, modest & generous even in triumph—a very strong Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia, whose refusal to indulge in easy histrionics (she has cause!) infuses her quiet intensity with Brechtian strength.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy finding new things in Shakespeare. This innovative company always makes you see things in a different way. Kudos to Brandon Walker

Don't see it if You hate Shakespeare or can't tolerate tiny theatres. A little slow prior to intermission, things really pick up in the second act.

See it if the pleasure of watching Shakespeare done simply and intimately works for you.

Don't see it if you are bothered by a small cast doubling roles. And obviously don't see it if you hate Shakespeare.

See it if like an energetic and modern take that stays true to MFM while highlighting themes that may not be as traditionally highlighted.

Don't see it if You do not like MFM, have trouble following Shakespeare, have seen it recently, like traditional takes, or don't like actors changing sets.

Also I saw Desperate Measures but this, I believe, was my first time watching MFM proper. I enjoyed MR Walker's hard working (he adjusts the sets showing a manic energy as the Duke manipulating the situation) performance. Initially I was cynical of Miss Schlegel-Mejia's portrayal as it seemed stiff and hesitant, but of course that's exactly the character who has to be coaxed into advocating for mercy even for people who have done wrong. As she slowly strengthens in monologues and in the play her plea first for her sinning brother and then even more powerful for mercy for someone who has terribly wronged her was surprisingly moving. The use of twitter and smartphones can't help but make me contrast her conviction for mercy and second chances based on an acknowledgement of universal fraility versus current social media rage mobs. In some ways Angelo deserves mercy simply for the fact that he acknowledges his guilt and asks the same penalty he would have given.... Read more Read less

See it if Sexual politics, lust and repression in this dark but accessible production of the play which keeps things light as often as possible.

Don't see it if Updated Bard is not your preference. Also, it is a long production (2 1/2 hrs). One of Bards "problem plays", u must own that it is a comedy

See it if you would like to enjoy a modern version of the play with solid acting, interesting staging with good lighting - the best I've seen.

Don't see it if a long play will strain you. The action is sharp and well directed, but your comfort will be tested. One actor w/accent hard to understand.

See it if You like Shakespeare and always try to see his stuff.

Don't see it if Well, it's not the lighthearted story that you might get from some of his other comedies, and this production is darker than most.

See it if A updated of the telling of a Shakespeare dark comedy, with good acting.

Don't see it if Shakespeare not your thing. Its long.

Also I am not a fan of Shakespeare but I know this story. Also I went for I like past show that this theater company done and looking forward to all future shows.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see different approach to the traditional play.Mr.Walker is very good as director and Duke/Monk.

Don't see it if Long play, some episodes are really boring

Also Applause to all actors for memorizing such difficult and long monologues!
Playing with blocks reminds of Lego Land, but creative idea though.... Read more Read less

See it if If you like Shakespeare, this is a very dark rendition of measure. Cast, direction is pretty well done.

Don't see it if If your not into plays on the longish side. Deep Shakespearean writing.

See it if you like this particular Shakesphere play and like supporting smaller production.

Don't see it if you're not patient enough to sit through 2+ hours. can't endure uneven performances. don't like trying to decipher shakespearean language.

See it if Phenomenal production. Had me on the edge of my seat.

Don't see it if A little long. But well worth it.

See it if This is the kind of production that makes me happy that I sometimes go to the theater. Well worth the time, and well done.

Don't see it if Why would I tell you not to see it?

Also Really wonderful production, especially Robin Friend, Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia, and Brandon Walker, who really made me feel what they were going through. The rest of the cast is really great, too. It felt very quick.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to see Shakespeare set in a contemporary(ish) setting. I found the show to be well paced and most of the dialogue was clear.

Don't see it if well - the staging is pretty bare and the show runs a good 2.5 hours.

See it if The company was especially strong and talented. Especially Brandon Walker, Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia, Robin Friend, and Will Ketter.

Don't see it if It took a little while for me to get into it, so don’t see it if you’re not into Shakespeare or problem plays.

See it if I have never seen this problem play"performed as well as this. Well directed, and very organic.

Don't see it if It is long (2-1/2 hours), and Act I takes some time for traction. Some uneven performances, and strange meta actions by the lead don't read.

Also Brandon Walker carries the show, as much by his skill as by his overwhelming line load. There are some disjunctive moments that he takes that make it hard to tell if it is reaction or remembering lines. Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia (sp?) pulls outstanding double-duty, and really channeled the sense of a pregnant woman with her smaller role of Juliet. Robin Friend is captivating to watch, moreso as Pompey than Claudio, as the latter seems to be a plot device more than full character. Will Ketter gives the freshest look at Angelo I've ever seen, much younger than the standard, and therefore much more believable that he is struggling with his own sexual desires. Jared Murray is solid as an empathetic Escalus. Rusty Flounders is a mountain of a man who is as effective as a whiny, skeevy, creepy, lecher as he is hysterical when playing the dim-witted constable Elbow, with some great physical comedy work there.... Read more Read less

See it if Relavent and we’ll done.

Don't see it if Maybe could have used some cutting here and there.

Also There were some uneven performances, but the leads were all really great, and I’m really glad I stayed for the second half. It had been a long day, and Shakespeare is not my favorite thing. But this company made it really approachable and easy to understand. Kudos to them.... Read more Read less

See it if you like clear storytelling.

Don't see it if You need to be in a big space, in a traditional audience setting.

See it if I really enjoyed this performance. I wasn’t expecting much and don’t usually like Shakespeare, but I was really into it.

Don't see it if It runs a little long but totally worth it.

See it if You are looking for Measure for Measure. It is Shakespeare done well.

Don't see it if You want a grand experience, you will get an intimate experience instead.