Measure for Measure at ASC

I saw Measure for Measure last night at the American Shakespeare Center, which is the new name for Shenandoah Shakespeare here in Staunton, reflecting the company's national reputation and ambitions. The production was excellent, as usual. The play, one of the "problem plays," is technically a comedy (because it ends in weddings?), but is darker than most, since the weddings mostly are meted out as punishment. There's lots here, too, about forgiveness and revenge, plus the power of standing up against authority. "I do not consent to die this day!"

This is one of three plays currently running at the Blackfriars Playhouse. I've already seen Twelfth Night, but I will miss She Stoops to Conquer since I am going out of town for a while. The new seasons starts June 15: Comedy of Errors, Three Musketeers and Hamlet. The company adds All's Well that Ends Well in September.