[Michael Juster]

...you only see one more Shakespeare play, make it the Rosner/Teller production of the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge. It just came in from its debut in Las Vegas and will be going to other cities this year (apparently six regional theatres were there today trying to get them to come).

This is the second Rosner/Teller collaboration. I loved their 2008 production of Macbeth at DC's Folger Shakespeare Theatre, but this is much more impressive. Teller is the silent half of the Penn & Teller magic/comedy team, and a true student of Shakespeare. He brought out the comedy and the magical feel of the island in astonishing ways.

The Prospero was quite good (just a little scary in the beginning), and he reminded me in look and sound of my talented Powow buddy, Alfred Nicol. What's makes it a little eerie is my favorite poem of Alfred's is his "The Magician's Daughter."

So, seriously, if you live within a few hours of Boston, rob a few convenience stores to pay for the tickets and go see it. If you're too far away, pray the tour comes closer.

[Shaun J. Russell]

Sounds delightful, Michael. I probably won't be able to make it up for that, sadly. I've never been much of a magic fan, but I think I'd heard previously that Teller was, as you say, a student of Shakespeare. It sounds like The Tempest would be a perfect fit in that regard.

I did have the great fortune of nabbing tickets to see Kenneth Branagh and Alex Kingston in Macbeth up in New York City next month. I'm really hoping the production matches the acting quality (though Branagh isn't everyone's cup of tea).

[Michael Juster]

Ah, it's far more than just the magic tricks (although they are spectacular). The whole thing is magical.

[Martin Rocek]

OK, I bought two tickets, for me and my son on the June 6. If any of you have free time, I recommend the film premiere on Thursday, June 5 of the documentary that he made with his brother: http://www.ecologic.org/totoinvite/
It's a great short film, the cause is good, and it would be fun to meet some of you!

Martin

[Martin Rocek]

So Julian and I saw it and were bowled over. Shakespeare's language is allowed to soar, the relationship between Prospero and Miranda is explored beautifully, Ariel is brilliant, Caliban by Pilobolus is stunning, the music by Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan works perfectly, and of course, the magic is ... well, magical. Thank you so much for the recommendation, Mike. The remaining shows are sold out, but if you come to the box office at noon on the day of the performance, they have kept a few tickets that they will sell directly: See the link here.