Antony and Cleopatra (@BardOnTheBeach)

It is well known that Bard on the Beach is one of my most favorite theatre festivals, for many reasons. For one, I am a Shakespeare fiend. For two, Bard on the Beach (and especially Cynnamon Schreinert, their publicist) has always been super kind to me. They always invite me to their opening nights. They are always generous in sponsoring my ticket giveaways. Bard on the Beach recently partnered with me for a Father’s Day prize package (with dinner at Refuel Restaurant and Bar). I already had been to opening night of Much Ado About Nothing (read my review here) and I knew I was in for a treat. I still have yet to be disappointed with any Bard on the Beach performance. It’s such an amazing ensemble (cast, producers, staff, volunteers).

At the end of June, I had an opportunity to attend the Opening Night of Antony and Cleopatra (a Shakespeare play I read when I was probably 13). Interestingly enough, the Bard on the Beach performance was, to me, one of the most innovative ones I have seen in recent years. The synopsis, from the Bard on the Beach website itself, pretty much sums up the play:

Passion, war and betrayal erupt in this rich romantic tragedy. Although the sensual Cleopatra has conquered the heart of Rome’s greatest soldier, Mark Antony must choose between duty and desire. To secure a political alliance, he marries Octavius Caesar’s sister. His return to Egypt and Cleopatra ignites a war in which one of the world’s great love stories plays out its final chapter. As these larger-than-life characters engage in an epic struggle between the transcendent power of love and the military might of imperialism, events unfold that change the world forever.

While you may be tempted to hate Cleopatra during this performance (thanks to the wonderful performance of the lead actress), I think her behaviour may be in the end, somewhat understandable. A tragedy a-la Romeo and Juliet, it’s hard not to feel sorry for Cleopatra at the conclusion of the show. I brought my friend Trevor Boudreau along with me to this play (even though not a musical, it’s a wonderful show) and from our conversations after the performance, he loved it just as much as I did. Antony and Cleopatra plays until September 24th and you can purchase your tickets online. I would strongly recommend it, not to be missed.

Disclosure: The tickets to attend Antony and Cleopatra for me and for my Plus One were sponsored very generously by Bard on the Beach. I am not obligated nor expected to write this review entry, but I certainly feel that my readers would benefit from attending this play, and it’s an excellent one. In any review I write or publish on my site, I retain editorial control at all times. Should you have any questions/concern feel free to contact me via e-mail through my contact form.

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