WERS 88.9 fm - Performance Wrap-Up: ART: Best Of Both Worlds

December 11th, 2009

One thing I love about Diane Paulus' American Repertory Theatre is that, as an audience member, you're not just a witness to a theatrical event; you are a contributor to a theatrical experience. This is perhaps why Paulus' recent Broadway revival of Hair won a Tony Award; she boldly redefines the fourth wall by forcing the audience to be an additional character. The American Repertory Theatre's season of "Shakespeare Exploded" has given many people the opportunity to be contributors to great performance art such as Sleep No More and The Donkey Show. Best of Both Worlds is their latest addition to the innovative season. 

Best of Both Worlds is based on William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, a play about reflection, regret, and redemption. However, this new musical takes a rather inventive approach to the late Shakespearian romance. In the opening number, the actors proclaim that this show is, "church and R&B mixed with Shakespeare." The cast goes on to sing, "some of this is old and some of this is new." This lyric is very important to understanding the piece.  

The show opens with a troupe of traveling players rolling onto the stage in a 1958 purple Cadillac, much like how performing guilds used to roll into towns on wagons in the Middle Ages. However, this troupe performs a Shakespearian romance with a modern rhythmic twist.  This hybrid between classical and contemporary is a part of the American Repertory Theatre's brilliance; they seamlessly incorporate the traditional and the groundbreaking into one meaningful night of theatre.

Best of Both Worlds is a clapping, toe-tapping musical. Attending this show is like attending a Shakespearian block party. Featuring: Gregg Baker, Jeannette Bayardelle, Mary Bond Davis, Darius de Haas, Nikkieli DeMone, Cleavant Derricks, Brianna Horne, Sebastien Lucien, and Lawrence Stallings. This is a fine ensemble, ripe with vocal power and creative fire.

The Winter's Tale is one of Shakespeare's more whimsical pieces, requiring a good amount of creative innovation. So, when you go to see Best of Both Worlds, just sit back and go for the ride. Because wherever this show leads you, you're going to have a heck of a good time going there.

- Words by Alex Ates

- Images by Marcus Stern