Shakespeare's Best/Worst? — Page 2

I like R&J the show, but I have to agree with Zoneface on one count:

"My problem with R&J isnt the writing, its the story. What people seem to forget is the central characters are CHILDREN. Children talking about grandiose ideas as if they truly understand them."

DEFINATELY agree there.

Got to say though that kids making the huge bad decision to commit suidice IS tragic (but not in the "oh, my god! their love was the truest love ever and they died for it!" way).

JRB- you're totally right about the time period thing. I personally would not refer to them as kids just b/c of their ages... they're SOOOOOOOOOO WHINY!!!!!! I call them kids b/c of their immature behavior... but, the thing is, it's not completely irrelevant even now. Teenagers tend to act like that (imo- and before I get blasted, let it be known that I AM a teenager and I talk from experience). I like the show. But I still find the title characters to be WHINY.

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Updated On: 8/25/05 at 07:08 PM

WHINY? Maybe the actors in the productions you have seen are whiny, but the characters Shakespeare wrote are full of vigorous, teen angst.

It sounds like you guys have seen some crappy productions of R&J. Because that is NOT the same play I have seen and fallen in love with.

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best-- twelfth night

worst-- henry V or something like that (sad, i forget the #)

BEST- The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet
WORST- Midsummer..there just seems to be nothing below the surface..

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Hahah I don't see how ANYONE can critize Shakespeare but whhhaatever..to each his own!

Best: Merchant of Venice/Hamlet/Mid.
Worst: Couldn't choose if my life depended on it

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you effing serious??? It IS a T.R.A.G.E.D.Y. and I don't think anyone in the play or watching thinks that what these people are doing is practical. BUT you also have to understand the laws and practices of the day.

I just can't discuss this anymore until ya read up some more on this. Meats and cheeses!!

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Best: A tie between "Midsummer" and "Much Ado About Nothing." "The Winter's Tale" is another favorite. Aw hell, I can't pick just one!
Worst: Richard III. I can't read it without falling asleep.

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I've STUDIED Romeo and Juliet, Ok, i do know what I am talking about. The laws and practices of the day are a moot point. They are still children, they are still lamenting about grandiose ideas they couldn't possibly understand (yes i know people were getting married very young, but that doesn't mean they understand love). The story is a stupid one, the writing, no matter how good, can not make up for a bad story.


EDIT: How is it insensitive orpheum? seriously, its not.

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Updated On: 8/25/05 at 08:02 PM

Zoneface, you know of course that SOME people can't abide the premise and characters in RENT because they find them to be romanticized, hipper-than-thou whiners.

Maybe what is and isn't insufferable bitching is in the the eye of the beholder.

Updated On: 8/25/05 at 08:07 PM

drama drama drama..even in message boards..

"Dreams--I knew your name wasn't from Midsummer, it was just a lil joke."
lol sorry, didnt pick up on that

"And, I think Midsummer is SUPPOSED to be entertainment--and it IS a great play. You are, of course, allowed your opinion, but I wouldn't go repeating in mixed company that Midsummer (or in other people's cases--R&J, RIII, and HV) is a bad play unless you can actually write a better one yourself!"

Well, i think that's pretty silly. That's like saying we can't discuss which musicals we like or dislike on broadwayworld.com because we can't write as well as webber or sondheim. i was in midsummer this summer so i know quite a lot about it; I'm just saying that it's not my absolute favorite of his.

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Surely you have one that's your own least favorite, jrb?

Go on, spill!

Good point!

I still stand by my original answers as to best/worst, but to add favorite/least favorite -

Favorite - Macbeth
Least Favorite - Love's Labour's Lost