Going into Saturday night, I knew little about the play itself, I really only knew of the prestige of the players and therefore expected a great show. Fortunately, I was not let down.
The acting truly was superb, with in my eyes a standout performance from Michelle Terry (right), who played the Princess of France, and Fergal McElherron, who played Costard. Both exemplified an expert use of physicality either facially, bodily or both, with McElherron’s creating a Three Stooges style comedy and Terry making the audience feel the joys or sorrows of her character. I especially enjoyed the chaotic scene which erupts into an onstage food fight, in which Terry concluded the scene as a machine gun with nonstop pummeling of other characters, being constantly reloaded by the town idiot. There wasn’t a single audience members who’s abs weren’t aching.One of my favorite aspects of the performance, was the audience interaction. Shortly before the show, characters began wandering in as if looking for their seats
like any other audience member and I had a lovely discussion with Sir Nathaniel (left) and Holofernes about ruffled collars. At intermission, the ladies shared their picnic lunch of bread, cheese and grapes with us. During the performance itself, the town wench was having sex in the aisles and the musicians were hanging out in the balcony, trumpeting for the entrance of the court. My favorite had to be when one of the Lords, in his attempt to hide from another Lord, headed off stage and proceeded to sit on an audience member, periodically shushing his complaints.This production of Love’s Labour’s Lost was in a word, unforgettable. I am always amazed at the professionalism of shows on campus, but the intensely precise acting and perfectly timed comedy made this one of the best productions I’ve ever seen.
By: Rachel Lum
UMS Intern
