BWW Reviews: ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL is Positively Splendid as Part of Shakespeare Royal Oak!

All's Well That Ends Wells is a splendid production that ends just that way, well. The Water Works Theatre Company puts on a great show from start to finish in the outdoor theatre full of laughs and joyous characters as part of the Shakespeare Royal Oak theatre festival.

Under the open sky, the Shakespearean play is brought to life by the talented group of actors led by Meredith Deighton in the lead role of Helena. Deighton is absolutely wonderful as Helena with a graceful air to her while she is on stage, yet fantastic comedic delivery as well. She really maneuvers the show and interacts flawlessly with every other actor. It is difficult not watch Deighton even when she is not the main spotlight of the scene because she embodies Helena and makes the audience root for her that they are always watching and wanting to see what happens to her next.

Stephen Blackwell plays the comic relief, Parolles, and he has the audience laughing from the moment he takes the stage to the curtain call, which even with a Shakespearean comedy can be more difficult than one would think. He commanded the stage, not just with his height, but also with exceptional comedic timing and fantastic facial expressions. Blackwell is a complete joy to watch on stage and a favorite for the audience.

The cast as a whole is entertaining and does a great job of bringing the show to the life in the outdoor space. The full cast includes Connie Cowper, Sarah McEaney, JM Ethridge, Callie Jeanine, Peter C. Prouty, Craig Bentley, Kirk Haas, Dan Johnson, Joshua Steckelberg, Chris Peterson, Daniel Morency, Alex Wisz, Andrew Barikmo, and Christian Hubert.

A special note should be mentioned of the theatre space and how wonderful it is. In the middle of Jaycee Park, an outdoor theatre is built just for Shakespeare in the park each summer for Water Works Theatre Company to use. The audience can bring blankets and lawns chairs or there are bleachers available with cushions to borrow. They have snacks and drinks for purchase and it is a great space for a family outing or date night! Plus just to come see an outstanding production on an outdoor stage like that is quite amazing and beautiful experience.

All's Well That End's Well is currently playing through August 9th in Royal Oak's Jaycee Park. For more information or tickets, visit www.shakespeareroyaloak.com.

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