Theater Review: ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’: A Comic Problem Play

[claireokc]

CHICAGO—It’s considered one of Shakespeare’s problem plays, which is why the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, always appreciating a challenge, decided to mount “All’s Well That Ends Well.” Why is it considered a problem play? Because it presents characters who are seriously flawed, but that is also what makes it a comedy.  In fact, if the characters weren’t as flawed as they are, the play wouldn’t be as funny. Those flaws, though, under Shana Cooper’s insightful direction, are happily overcome. Indeed, this revival is so entertaining and humorous that its problems can easily be discounted. Flawed Characters The plot, which was taken by Shakespeare from a tale in Boccaccio’s Decameron (1349–1353) and written by him around 1602, is a simple story in which the girl chases the boy. ...

Source: https://www.theepochtimes.com/theater-r ... 43044.html