THE RIVALS

THE RIVALS

by Richard Brinsely Sheridan

Hudson Valley Shakespeare

Cold Springs, NY USA

August 2006

direction: Gia Forakis

costume: Sara Torsetti

lighting: S. Ryan Schmidt

sound: Katie Down

production photography: Walter Garshchagan

New York Times Review:

Making Merry at Boscobel
By Nelson Pressley

"The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has its own traditions about classic theater, so Mrs. Malaprop (Nance Williamson) is far from the only source of humor in this joyful production. ...In less practiced or well-intentioned hands, a lot of this could be tiresome, but the director, Gia Forakis, and the cast's irrepressibly playful spirit help the actors get away with it."

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Times Herald Record Review:

The Rivals
By James F. Cotter

"In its 20 year tradition of freewheeling performances and fidelity to the text, the company, thanks to the brilliant direction of newcomer Gia Forakis, offers a witty, articulate and colorful revival of this 1775 classic."

Poughkeepsie Journal Review:

Bawdy Romp Showcases Talented Cast: 'The Rivals' plays at Shakespeare fest
By Vinny Alexander

"Director Gia Forakis understands that comedy is built on rhythm. She creates a fast-paced romp in which the actors deliver their lines at high speed and with high energy. The show moves so well that it often feels like the actors are stuck in a perpetual state of fast-forward, especially during scene transitions. The circus music and sound bites from Warner Brothers' cartoons contribute to the high energy and dizzying speed. Visually, the show is stunning. With visual puns and slapstick comedy, "The Rivals" is a pleasure to watch."