The Baroness - Isak Dinesen's Final Affair

See it if You want to see a drama, fully developed with rich characters, great acting, lovely costumes and interesting set and lighting.

Don't see it if You want a light fast paced evening.

See it if You like plays about historical figures. You enjoy plays about art & its process. You have some familiarity w/Isak Dinesen's work.

Don't see it if You want natural dialogue & characters: the text is Very Important & the characters never felt like real people.

Also I bumped this up to a green, "good" score on the strength of the actors. They are fascinating to watch! Unfortunately, they're stuck in a mediocre play. Disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in isak dinesen.

Don't see it if you're not interested in isak dinesen.

See it if You like mannered, larger than life exaggerated central characters. Lovely staging. Slow but I liked the timing. 130 minutes.

Don't see it if the invocation of magic and demons with an omnipotent, omnipresent lead fails to appeal. Very stylized, not much actually happens.

Also I did give it a 75. This 2 plus hours did not feel as long as Charolais even tho the latter is a much better play. Im not sure what the rationale for this production is. I first read Blixen as a preteen. I found her lyrical. There is no lyricism here. This is all control and manipulation, real and perceived. The motivations of the characters is muddy. I never really believed the passion and commitment necessary to pull this play off. The third character really did not work for me. She undermined the weight and allure of the central relationship. Im glad I saw it, but I didn't come out learning anything or with greater insight.... Read more Read less

See it if A complex play about Karen Blixen involving themes of love, loss and commitment. A bit slow with the first act lasting 90 min.

Don't see it if If you enjoy light musicals or dramas with a simple message.

See it if you are curious about writers' process, relationship of writer and his muse, and what happened to Karen Blixen after Kenya (Out of Africa).

Don't see it if you crave more action or music than talk, or are not interested in poetry, writing poetry or fiction for publication, or historical drama

See it if You are interested in Isak Dinesen and enjoy biographical plays. The lead was quite good, but some of the other acting was rather uneven.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy historical plays, or plays which incorporate poetry into the scenes.

See it if you're game to be lulled into an intriguing mentor-mentee relationship story; if you like inventive use of music (original & Chopin mix).

Don't see it if you're uncomfie with dynamic (not always believable) of forceful older woman & naive, younger man; you loathe those herbal cigarettes.

Also I didn't know anything about Dinesen beyond seeing Out of Africa film ages ago (with that gorgeous John Barry score). Seeing this piques my interest about her. Yes, it has slow moments and strains credulity at times, but I was swept up in the story and the actors' commitment. Glad I went!... Read more Read less

See it if Slow historical drama of Svengali type relationship between Karen Blixen and much younger male writer; odd confusing set and very slow

Don't see it if You don't know about Blixen and can't sit through long and slow moving historical drama ; set did not blend well with historical setting

See it if You want to see good acting with a biography based plot with lots of details. Think Mrs Robinson meets Denmark.

Don't see it if You don't like women seducing younger men.

See it if This well written play captures the influence of the aging outstanding storyteller Dinesen, on the young poet Bjørnvig’s career.

Don't see it if you do not like biographical material in any form

Also They sealed a “pact” of friendship, which lasted only four years due to the severe demands on the young protégée. Although Dinesen’s behaviors may be disturbing at times, due to her health problems, not portrayed in the play (this I found to be a weakness), Bjørnvig emerges as a self-confident and better artist.
I found myself fascinated by both literary artists and determined to read their works. In this respect the SATC has fulfilled its mission.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a well acted drama based on the story of Isak Dinesen and her last mentee. Keep count of the end of scene glasses.

Don't see it if you don't like drama and you don't like smelling incense that is substituted for cigarette smoke during the show.

See it if Fine character study of a complex and compelling woman/artist struggling against the inevitable. An exceptional performance by the lead.

Don't see it if You don't like to be so close to a dark, uncomfortable relationship doomed to disaster.

See it if You are interested in learning about Isak Dinesen's fascinating life. Well acted, truthfully brought to life on an interesting stage.

Don't see it if You don't care who Isak Dinesen was. Don't care to see an older woman's charisma at work. You don't believe in magic.

See it if Like period plays, base on A true story, and love, to see someone that's really good at their craft. She was Superb.

Don't see it if Don't like older women trying to seduce younger men.

Also The actress that played the Baroness, was absolutely phenomenal. She reminded me of Patti Lupone in her role of Evita. Very strong character. Would go back to see AGAIN. Thank you l.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Isak Dinesen's work. Complex study of her as a mentor to a younger writer.

Don't see it if you aren't a fan of Blixen and historical drama

See it if You want to see a great performance by Broadway's Dee Pelletier. If you've wondered what happened to Karen Blixen after "Out of Africa."

Don't see it if You're allergic to smoke or have health issues exacerbated by smoke.Way too much unnecessary smoking. What's wrong with e-cig?Needs editing!

See it if You love Karen Blixen and dramas

Don't see it if You prefer something more exciting. The show is very slow moving

Also The actress who played the Baroness was excellent and a delight to watch. The dialogue didn't seem very organic, though.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be fascinated by a hypnotic, wise and glamorous woman, hurtling towards tragedy.

Don't see it if You have no interest in Karen Blixen. The fact that Act I coud benefit from an additional intermission would make you restive.

Also The tufted sofas represent the age and modesty of the family property, Rungstedlund, she occupied. The colored panels in the Mondrian like background reflect the deepening (yellow to red) and cooling (blue) of the relationship. Sit in the back if you object to herbal cigarettes.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plots that have underlying meanings, indirect story lines, w/good acting and unique staging

Don't see it if You enjoy light plays

See it if You loved "Out of Africa" and are interested in the author

Don't see it if You do not enjoy intelligent dialogue

See it if You enjoy fictional accounts of real people; you enjoy plays that are conducive to discussion and analysis.

Don't see it if You prefer light comedy or musicals.

Also A fictional exploration of the symbiotic relationship between the older Karen Blixen and her young protege, derived from writings by and about them... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy great word play and clever repartee.

Don't see it if you are expecting a romance.

See it if You enjoy good acting and good writing

Don't see it if You don't care for romance

See it if you enjoy dramas about deep, complex relationships.

Don't see it if you don't appreciate good theater!

Also I was entranced by the storytelling in this play. Based on a real writer and her relationship with her "student". The actors were very authentic on stage, and the writing is masterful. This is a small show that could be easily overlooked, but I'd say is an excellent play.... Read more Read less