I have gone to the Shakespeare theatre in lenox a number of times in the past 5 years. Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet this week are 2 plays that come to mind. We went with some children to R and J and we're disgusted with the over sexualizing of the play. We went to Hamlet the other night and were likewise disgusted with the homosexualizing of the characters. You have all the right to do that but the potential ticket buyers should be notified of the immature production in advance. Apparently that type of genre is your forte. You probably do not understand my perspective, but most people do. read more

Sense and Sensibility was THE worst production I have ever seen in my 52 years of theatre! Atrocious! Shame - always have had marvelous experiences here. Producer/director failure. Only one actor in drag? Confusing half ( almost ) funny; half serious. Two roles per actor! And no scenery changes- apart from the imaginary piano forté. Utter disaster. read more

First time attending this unique & beautiful outdoor theatre. And maybe my last time too. Though I haven't read or attended any Shakespeare plays since 12th grade I am fairly certain Shakespeare would be rolling over in his grave had he witnessed the butchering of this Classic! What the He** was that? This director turned a classic into garbage by inserting his view of modernizing the story, the costumes, the music - everything. I can tell you it was difficult to not walk out before the end of this performance. With respect to the hard working professional actors we did not until 3-5 minutes left in the show when it further fell apart and we just said NO MAS! I would to try this again but it will have to be a non Shakespeare play. Oh and BTW, the ticket seller said that this play was really good & funny. Really? Maybe if your CBD was laced with something. Overall not an enjoyable evening and surely a waste of $90. Too bad. You win some & you lose some. I put this one in the loss column. read more

We attended two shows this summer--loved them both. The first was not Shakespeare (Dear Jack, Dear Louise), but it was EXCELLENT: it would have been in the Roman theater, but moved under the tent due to the threat of rain. The second was Henry VI Part 2 indoors in the Tina Packer Playhouse where we sat in the balcony on the side, which was a great location. The quality of the acting and the production of both shows was great. (If you are moved under the tent due to weather as we were for the first show, you lose your assigned seat. If we'd understood that, we would have headed to the tent earlier rather than futz around having a glass of wine up the hill...we ended up in the 5th row--which was fine--but could have been much closer had we gone right to the tent when we arrived.) read more

Still processing the theatrical experience of "Fences" by August Wilson. The writing is brilliant and the cast equally so. I've never felt as though my standing ovation and enthusiastic applause was completely inadequate to express my gratitude for this performance. I've never been given so much from both playwright and cast, I'm humbled and deeply grateful to have seen this show. The experience came at me from multiple angles as many issues with multiple levels were addressed. Usually there's one or two standout performances but this cast is truly an ensemble of extremely talented thespians. I raved about everyone's performance and the many nuances of their interpretations of this piece. I have an extensive background in theatre and I'm not an easy grader but I was transported today! I have no notes, none! I wish this cast would tour with the play so that many people could see their work and I feel privileged to have done so today. read more

Shakespeare & Company - Outside theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Lenox, Massachusetts

What a wonderful outdoor setting for Shakespeare! A very cozy setting, all great seats around the stage. The performance of King Lear was stellar. read more

If you have a chance to see the production of Fences, by August Wilson, DO IT! The play in wonderful and the cast is off-scale fabulous! A terrific play in a lovely small theatre. This is not merely a terrific summer production in the Berkshires, it would be wonderful in NYC or London. If you're looking for laughs or music, try somewhere else. If you're looking for a serious drama put on at the highest level, don't miss this! read more

Something wicked this way comes--and it's not just my 300th review. And by wicked, I mean fantastic. Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, Massachusetts is by far the most amazing theatre company I have ever watched and had the honor of working with. Located out in the Berkshires, they have built a small campus of buildings and performance spaces where they not only perform some of the greatest acts, but also teach and inspire. They are a team of well over a hundred actors, directors, producers, and more, ranging from children to adults who have a passion for performing the great works of Shakespeare. Their performances travel across the country but most are found right in their Lenox home. They also establish residences at schools where they'll direct student acted shows. They came to my high school all four years in North Andover and it was truly amazing. The Shakespeare & Company lead performances were always the most exciting and most desired portion of the theatre season at my high school. Call us losers, drama geeks, or whatever else you see fit. But to have a group of adolescents excited to learn and recreate Shakespeare--well I think that's pretty amazing. S & Co also hosts seasonal festivals where not only do they perform shows, but they invite the high schools that they've worked with to all travel to Lenox and perform their shows for each other. Their Lenox campus is gorgeous and conveniently located near downtown shops and hotels. They are even in the process of working with international architects, historians, etc to recreate the world's first accurate replication of Shakespeare's Rose Playhouse. If you travel to the Berkshires, I insist you check their website and see what is going on during your visit. You will NOT be disappointed. And if you work in the education industry, I'd look into hosting this company at your institution--it's an experience your students will appreciate for a lifetime. And to end this review, I'll leave you with one of my favorite lines that I learned during my freshman year when we performed, "Much Ado About Nothing." Beatrice: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me. God, how gay was I!? read more

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It's a replica of the Globe Theater. This is history, reborn. This is the birth of the modern stage! But did you know about the other performance spaces? Shows will run the gamut, and we caught a lively, small ensemble comedy of errors called The 39 Steps in the Bernstein Theatre, S&Co's black box. The performance is excellent, the acoustics and intimacy are perfectly suited for the space. If you make your way to the Berkshires and skip this stalwart, your trip is incomplete. Complete your trip. Make time for a show at Shakespeare & Company. read more

I have been a patron of Shakespeare and Company Theater for more than a decade. However, my latest experience at their production of King Lear left much to be desired. I understand that the Covid epidemic has led to many constraints on the artistic world and performances. Yes in Massachusetts, with our high rates of vaccination, virtually all of those constraints have been removed. Thus I was surprised and disappointed that all shows at Shakespeare and Co. are now outdoors. This production of Lear suffered greatly. It was insufferably hot. Not their fault-but impacted the experience. In addition, the lighting designer needs to be fired. The show started at 5:30, as the sun was beginning to set. My son was unfortunately seated on the right, with the evening sun shining straight in his eyes. Indeed, anyone not seated with the sun to their back was holding a program, or their hands, to their eyes. Luckily I, seated in the center, had a baseball cap to try to block the intense rays. Christopher Lloyd was frequently inaudible, and sometimes stumbled on his lines. Many performances were passable, but none shone. Between the sunlight, the heat, and inadequate sound, we left at intermission. Never thought I would leave King Lear mid performance. My favorite Shakespeare play. Or was. read more

We saw a delightful production of Much Ado About Nothing last night in the new outdoor theatre space. It was a gorgeous evening and the talented and sprightly cast seemed to be having great fun along with us. This is our first time back since COVID hit, so a real treat. Note: you should probably use bug spray before the show if you're outdoors. The mosquitoes were out in force during the second act. But please don't spray it all over yourself in your seat like one man did so that everyone around you can still breath ;) read more

Shakespeare & Company's rejiggering Twelfth Night is a mish-mash unworthy of the Bard. The setting has been moved from the shores of Illyria in 1601 to a dance hall on the boardwalk by the sea in 1959. Thus, loud unrecognizable tunes from early rock and roll greet the incoming audience members. (I call this migraine music!) Throughout the play, the characters sing and dance to these songs combined with Elizabethan tunes and a "hey, ho, nonny, doo wop." The director's notes indicate that the lines are some of the most beautiful in the "cannon" and "whom should be the recipient of affection." Aside from the misuse of words and grammar, Allyn Burrows, the director, stretches to make connections. Yes, Shakespeare deals in timeless themes such as unrequited love, annoying pomposity, and self-centeredness. Yet modern dress and setting detract from the original despite Malvolio's (Miles Anderson's) outstanding performance and a strong supporting cast. I suppose the connection between humans was made in having blond, blue-eyed Viola (Ella Loudon) twin with black, handsome Orsino (Bryce Michael Wood). Sorry, Burrows, this audience member can stretch just so far for the remains of a play shot from the cannon that landed in tatters on the beach. read more

Hello-I am writing to express my severe disappointment in your current production of Lear. Yes, we traveled 8 hours up and 6 hours back for a much needed weekend away.  The concierge found out we were coming and decided to tell us the show was awful before we even saw it.Perhaps a rough start.Let's also forgive/forget that Mr Lloyd is now too old of mind and body to handle the demands of this script, as this is not an unheard of problem for the show.There was a dog sitting in a chair in front of me........... He barked when Lloyd walked onstage and it clearly threw him for what seemed to be the rest of the show. The cellphone of the lady behind me rang at full length and volume twice. She and her party complained for most of the show. They only stopped when I turned around and 2 of them decided to leave at a geriatric pace and volume. It was not clear on the website this was an outdoor production. I have MS and cannot be in direct sun for long. Guess where my seats were? You cast young people who really shouldn't be on stage, much less with seasoned veteran actors like your older male supporting leads or a name like Christopher Lloyd.  With the exception of Edgar, they all should be asked not to return for future performance or productions at your theater. Any emotion I felt was for the seasoned actors ego's, but for the characters they portrayed. Poor Mr Lloyd seemed to forget his line every time he had to interact with Cordilia. I assume there is a teaching component to your theater and this may be why/how the young men and women were involved. Reevaluate. Do better. The worst LACK of direction I have ever seen. Period. Full stop. The show was AN HOUR longer than advertised "The Cupid Shuffle" was loudly playing during a crucial end scene...? "Party like it's 1999" played while everyone died....? We could hear the poor SM/board op feverishly calling the second act as it putted along. Normally I would chalk it up to bad theater and consider it a donation to the greater cause. However, for your seemingly above average credentials, ticket prices and ability to attract a name or two, this is completely  inexcusable.I request a full refund. read more

i took my 10-year-old granddaughter to see her first play today: Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare and Company. We were accompanied by my daughter who regularly ushered with me at American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge. We were thrilled with this production. A confession: I never liked the play . . . until today. It was the first Shakespearean play I read, sneaking a copy behind my grammar book while a student at St. Martha's School. I've taught it to high school students and I saw the Zeffirelli film. Until today, I had not seen a live production. I came away with a different slant on . . . and appreciation for . . . this 500 year old work. What was apparent was the emphasis on love and hate as life-changing emotions and not on the titillating teenaged sex thing that has burdened the play and made it less than teachable. This production also brings out a subtext which deals with literacy and communication. Frankly, without being political, it called to mind the political rancor that is troubling this nation at the present time. Here, hate was fueled by an inability and a refusal to listen. This production features what I have come to recognize as some Shakespeare & Company hallmarks: the seamless incorporation of music (Will would love it); the placement of the acting company on the stage at the beginning of the play, as well as the athleticism of the cast as they utilize the entire building to make the drama live. The performances were brilliant. Susannah Millonzi was amazing as Juliet. The chemistry between Susannah and her Romeo, played by David Gelles, was strong. The staging of the balcony scene -- without using the readily available balcony -- was creative and allowed the audience to focus on the faces and voices of the two leads as they rendered the so familiar words. Tod Randolph was perfect as the nurse while Kevin O'Donnell nearly stole the show as Mercutio. While there was no particular setting or theme other than in a universal past, the beautiful Jazz Age white-beige-gold costumes gave life to the prologue's "two families, alike in dignity" and presented the Capulets and the Montagues on a level playing field. When the company resorted to Renaissance dress for the Capulets' party, it seemed a natural change from street to ballroom clothes. The Shaker set decoration allowed for easy changes of scene and yet signaled the definite locations of the play's progress. The sword fights were thrilling. I ducked several times but my granddaughter pooh-poohed the idea. "They weren't pointed at me," she said. read more

Not many theater companies can take 16th-century writing and make it contemporary, entertaining, and funny. This troupe does exceptional physical comedy, frequently sings, and delivers old lines with new life and style. This is a good intro to Shakespeare for young audience and a great production company for Shakespeare fans of all ages. read more

The best entertainment ever. The performances are always very professional. The facilities are well suited for their productions. Box office and administration helpful with assistance answering any question about any of the shows and best seats. Highly recommend this for all ages based on production. read more

One of my favorite spots in the Berkshires -- especially because it runs year round. Great theatre and a wonderful auditorium. (Don't miss the Valentine's Day brunch.) read more

Took my 10 year old daughter here twice this summer. She was mesmerized. Nice intimate theater experience. I will be going back!

Love the plays; hate the venue! The driveway continues to be an embarrassment with its potholes galore. The reconfigured Bernstein Theater is now uncomfortably overcrowded. More importantly, the egress and exiting is a farce. Amazed that it passed fire dept inspection. All this to squeeze in some extra seats. Foolish management has made this previously satisfied patron an unhappy one. read more

Absolutely fantastic! We just returned from seeing The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged at the Tina Packer Playhouse and highly recommend this play! The actors were energetic and likeable and we were laughing the whole time. The theater is small so there really is no bad seat in the house. Well worth a visit if you're in the Berkshires! Also, Shakespeare & Co. offers a 20% military discount and half price 'day-of' student tickets. We got the military discount which was great. read more

We just got back to the hotel after seeing 'A comedy of errors'. A high energy ensemble, that retold the story in a fun and unique way. The cast was great. We really thought the 2 leads-Kelly Curren who broke into an amazing version of Whitney's 'I want to run to you', and Ian Lassiter who played 2 lead roles so well you believed there was 2 actors. Good Job! Thanks for a fun night. read more

Was in Lenox last weekend and saw The Merchant of Venice at Shakespeare and Company. Almost always, we have found the theater experience there to be satisfying, but this performance was different, more thoughtful, and more moving than any production of the play either of us have seen before. Characters who before were flat were now nuanced, relationships became more complex and conflicted, and the sense of the ultimate helplessness at being a Jew in that place and time was powerfully communicated. Could not recommend a production more. read more

I have been attending performances at Shakespeare and Company for the past ten years, and I'm sad to say that after tonight's performance of The Comedy of Errors, I will not go back. The cast did a great job with the performance, but the show was a misguided attempt at humor at the expense of Italian Americans. The show was done in completely modern dress and setting with modern songs interspersed throughout. The beautiful words penned by Shakespeare were presented through thick, phony accents reminiscent of The Sopranos and The Godfather. I really wanted to like the show, but everything about it screamed "cheap," which is not what I expect from Shakespeare. read more