Press Coverage
Macbeth
Review – 7/11
Hillary Matthews, Diablo Magazine
Lend Me a Tenor at the Livermore Shakespeare Festival
Review – 7/12/11
Ben Marks, KQED.org
Review – 7/11/11
Pat Craig, Correspondent, MercuryNews.com
Livermore Shakespeare Festival triumphs with Mamet’s ‘A Life In the Theatre’
Review – 4/12/11
Pat Craig, Correspondent, MercuryNews.com
This Valley Life: A peek behind the curtain [InsideBayArea.com]
Review – 2/3/11
Jim Ott, Columnist, InsideBayArea.com
Romeo and Juliet
Review – 7/15/10
Susan Steinberg, The Independent
The Real Thing
Review – 7/16/10
Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times (Oakland Tribune)
Summer arts: Here’s what not to miss [Oakland Tribune (CA)]
07/01/2009 00:01:00 AM
Theater: Livermore Shakespeare Festival
There is something to be said for being in from the beginning.
Maybe that’s why I look forward to the Livermore Shakespeare Festival’s plays every summer. I was there at the start when theater company Shakespeare’s Associates took its first small steps to launching an outdoor summer Shakespeare festival in Livermore. It was an eager group that almost immediately won the hearts of area residents who seemed pleased not only to have regular shows by the Bard, but also to have a reason to while away some time in the area’s wineries.
Crowds have increased every year, as have the quality of productions by the company founded by Lisa A. Tromovitch, a professor of theater at Stockton’s University of the Pacific. The company has found a home at Livermore’s Concannon Winery, where it staged the first production in 2002.
The group also usually produces a play during the winter at the black box theater in the Bothwell Center in downtown Livermore. But during its relatively short history, the company has performed in stores, churches, schools as well as having a long relationship with the Retzlaff, which it outgrew.
Details: Now on the Concannon property in Livermore, the company is staging two shows in repertory this summer, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (July 9-Aug. 9) and Anton Chekov’s “The Seagull” (July 16- Aug. 1) For performance scheduled, tickets and more information, call 925-443-2273 or visit www.livermoreshakes.org.
The Compleat Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised)
Review – 7/14/08
Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times
Review – 7/17/08
Susan Mayall, The Independent
Proof (2008)
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness—or genius—will she inherit?
Click HERE to read the Contra Costa Times review.
Comedy of Errors (2007)
“It’s a thoroughly delectable production, set in the California rancho era on a gorgeous set, with lavish costumes and an attitude that pays slapstick homage to vaudeville, burlesque and generations of comedians who would do anything to make you laugh…”
“Director Lisa A. Tromovitch, founder of the festival, and her cast have wrung every bit of silliness from the script and added even more of their own invention, including a band that also supplies sound effects and gag signs …”
Click HERE to read the full text of Pat Craig’s Contra Costa Times review.
All’s Well that Ends Well (2006)
“Once again, Director Lisa Tromovitch offers theatergoers a rare gift; accessible Shakespeare. Her actors understand every line so well that their conversational delivery is intelligible to modern ears. Even venerable Shakespeare companies like Ashland often fail to train their casts as effectively. And it shows.”
— Susan Steinberg, The Independent
“…produced on the lovely grounds of the Retzlaff Estate Winery. The most intimate of the Bay Area’s outdoor Shakespeare offerings … Director Lisa A. Tromovitch approaches “All’s Well” as if the play weren’t problematic at all. Her mission seems to be clarity above all else.”
— Chad Jones, ANG Newspapers
“…one of the most relaxing theatrical settings in the Bay Area.”
— Pat Craig, CC Times
As You Like It (2005)
“… a rousing, highly enjoyable ‘As You Like It.’ … brutally funny … no nonsense clarity. … Performances are straightforward and energetic, and the language is clear and confident – all of which puts this production ahead of many summer Shakespeare efforts.”
— Chad Jones, ANG Newspapers
“… a superb ensemble performance … a caviar-class presentation. … by actors who obviously understand what they are saying … an easy grace … the charm of real camaraderie … gifted leaders and excellent actors …”
— Susan Steinberg, The Independent
“…an energetic and charming rush to the altar … a cast that skillfully brings a wonderful sense of romance and hilarity to the piece … a clever set …”
— Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times
“… Director Lisa Tromovitch is to be commended both for the staging, which is sprightly and energetic, and for the apt choice of play …”
— Eliza Strickland, East Bay Express
The Belle of Amherst (2005)
“… McCain’s interpretation … both satisfying and disturbing … an unusual, but intelligent and compelling picture of Dickinson.”
— Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times
Cymbeline (2004)
“Director Lisa A. Tromovitch has captured the random spirit of the play … outstanding work …” — Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times “…first-rate production … impressive achievement … vision evident in every detail. … imaginative sets, costumes, lighting, and stage business… sterling cast … ideal setting.”
— Susan Steinberg, The Independent
Love’s Labour’s Lost (2002)
“… a stylish, delightfully theatrical production; … a group willing to take some chances and go well beyond the obvious to imprint a work with its own brand … a performance quality and creative spirit … delightfully bold artistic choices … exciting to watch.”
— Pat Craig, Contra Costa Times..
“… production demonstrates intelligence and energy.”
— Chad Jones, Tri-Valley Herald
