The Lover and the Poet

Kevin Kline did a reading of Shakespearean love scenes as a benefit performance for,the SW Shakespeare company atnthe Mesa Arts Center.

There were definitely similarities to the Bedford production "The Lunatic, the Lover and the Poet", done at Stratford a few years ago. Kline had three women supporting cast members (Lana Buss, Justine Hartley, Maren Maclean) which made the transitions from one play to the next more obvious and gave Kline someone to play to, where Bedford did a one man performance. It was a reading, but no less enjoyable for that, as Klien and the women all acted the roles very effectively.

Following the performance, there was an interview with Kline, moderated by Jared Sakren, with questions from the audience. Sakren and Kline went to school and toured together many years ago, and are clearly good friends. Sakren is the Producing Artistic Director of South West Shakespeare Company. We will look forward to seeing their productions next winter.

Was Spring

Three women, named Kitty, Kath and Kit. At first you assume grandmother, mother and daughter, but gradually it becomes clear that the three are actually one women thinking back on her life. Kitty (Clare Coulter) is the feisty elder, still pissed off with the world. Kath ( Caroline Gillis) is her middle aged self, trying to forget her past, and Kit ( Jessica Moss) is the young woman, still romantic and hoping the world will treat her well, despite having no evidence to support that hope.
I found the play fascinating, but depressing. It definitely needed great acting and fortunately all three actors were excellent.
Daniel MacIvor gets into the heads of his characters and creates memorable women.