Measure for Measure (Spicy Witch)

See it if you like intellig re-interpretn of WS. MFM makes chgs to plot, setting, chars...and makes more sense. Clever devices (headlines, portraits).

Don't see it if you want faithful adherence to plot (new ending is gd). Actors gd, but no standouts.Nice sm Flea space! 90 min MFM moves fast. Gr WS lines.

See it if you’d like to see a swift approximation of the closest thing Shakespeare wrote to a #MeToo play.

Don't see it if you are looking for fidelity to Shakespeare.

Also I love Shakespeare & I love productions that do not feel too constrained by reverence for the Bard. Spicy Witch’s “Measure for Measure” is hardly reverent. But only some of its departures from the original seem smart, or part of some plan. Making a nun a lawyer, a padre a reporter, diminish the play’s ability to put ethics, hypocrisy & vows of chastity on trial. And the ending is a bit of a mush. But the evening goes fast &, for much its length, the production manages to evoke a lot of queasy laughter.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy having the Bard's work brought to new life with relevant messages, enacted on a small stage with good props and a fine, young cast

Don't see it if you want your traditional Shakespeare as there are changes here in the characters, the setting and the script.

See it if you like 10 Things I Hate About You. Unpretentious, a bit geeky/fantastical. Shkspr spoken naturally by actors who know what they’re saying.

Don't see it if you'll miss the nun fetish. Civil servants replace nuns/monks. Supreme Court references will be too on the nose for some. Low budget prod.

Also Thoroughly thought out & hits on a tone that works surprisingly well. Several previous “dark comedy”/dystopian police state MfMs just didn’t work consistently—probably because Isabella’s Christian frigidness is so hard to relate to.

But Spicy Witch’s production takes a lot of well calculated liberties & is completely winning. Has the affable, upbeat catchiness of Legally Blonde 1 but without the doe-eyed Barbie-ness. Cast is young, some moments overplayed. But the show gets something so right about what changes clarify the characters vs what’s just fashionable contemporizing.

Some major edits (Dukes are now judges, Vincentia has an investigative purpose, 2 roles conflated, many women, no Catholic iconography); some minor (Provost is played w/ a degree of dignity). But all the departures from tradition are designed to breath optimism & pertinence into a play that's notoriously faulty at balancing both.

Clear spoken Shakespeare. No robotic declamation or compulsory shouting.... Read more Read less

See it if YOU SUSPEND YOUR SHAKESPEARE BONE. If you are not looking for M4M and just want to have 90 minutes of fun.

Don't see it if You are expecting Measure for Measure. All the interesting subterfuge and plot points are edited out. Left with a romp.

See it if You like your Shakespeare with updated cultural relevance.

Don't see it if You just don't like Shakespeare, this update probably won't change your mind.

See it if New interpretation of the old play, enough fun not to be bored, time was flying by, very intelligent mentioning of modern problems

Don't see it if do not accept new version of Shakespeare,pretending to understand Early Modern English from 16 century better than contemporary English

Also Last show will be tomorrow, hope they will extend. Mia Canter, Ashil Lee-bravo, very well done!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a startlingly clear reimagining of Measure that manages to keep the heart of the play but tell a brand new story

Don't see it if You like your Shakespeare plays long.

See it if you like Shakespeare and enjoy adaptations that bring his plays to modern life, with humor.

Don't see it if you expect elaborate costumes or scenery.

See it if you like to see female victims turn their table over their villain.

Don't see it if you are offended to see Shakespeare misrepresented.

See it if You enjoy the modern reworking of Shakespearean plays (selfies, etc)

Don't see it if Shakesparean language hurts your ear.

See it if True to Shakespeare’s script except for a few twerks which make a more satisfying ending. Great performances and direction. Lively, humorous

Don't see it if I saw the final performance, so sorry. Everyone would have loved this.

See it if You like tightly-paced, fun, feminist Shakespeare that puts women+ front and center.

Don't see it if You will be put off by significant cuts, text changes, gender-bending, and Shakespeare adapted to a contemporary setting.

Also Smart combining of roles cast characters in a new light and gave infamous moments deeper resonance. Creative take on a Problem Play that emphasizes women lifting each other up and helping to tear down the patriarchy. To say more would spoil some lovely, heart wrenching surprises in this cut. I was moved. Excellent acting from a terrific ensemble cast. It's hard to single out any one actor, but Mia Canter was a particular standout -- bringing refreshing humor and pathos to Vincentia. Bravo to all!... Read more Read less