My fiancee and I saw Murphys Creek Threater Company's phenomenal performance of Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" yesterday evening at the outdoor theater at Stevenot Winery. We had a great time. It was a fun, inexpensive thing to do on a Friday night, and this particular play--and this particular cast--are well worth traveling to see.
The setting is intimate, located in a cozy enclave in the woods a short drive (down a very windy road) from Murphys. I have been two or three times and the size of the crowd has varied, but regardless of where you sit you get a great view. Still, this last time we were able to sit about the second row back (although you're sitting on grass, there are several elevated tiers), which I think was probably the ideal seat for being able to take in the whole stage.
I can't overstate the quality of the cast or performance. This play was casted brilliantly. The performers are virtually all top-notch and perfect for their roles--particularly the performers portraying Shylock, Portia, Launcelot, Bassagno and Antonio (in other words, pretty much all the leads), though every actor on the stage was terrific. Both the comedic and dramatic roles receive stellar performances, with the result that the play is both hilarious and dramatically enthralling.
The cast is not outfitted in period dress, but that ultimately takes nothing away from the performance (and some odd props give the play an eccentric character). There is also a bit of dancing at the beginning that seems a bit out of place, but the dance is entertaining nevertheless and the dancers were pretty good.
It was well worth the hour-and-a-half trip from the Stockton area for us, and the $15 ticket price seems much too small for the quality of the production.
Be sure to bring with you: lawn chairs or a blanket (you will be sitting on grass; the company also rents out lawn chairs for I think $3 a piece); bug repellant (mosquitos come out at twilight); a coat (it gets cool after 9 p.m.); and a GPS to find the place. You may also want to bring cash as you can purchase glasses of wine before the show or during intermission. The play starts just about right on time, so don't be late--you won't want to have missed anything! read more
