LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST

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Shakespeare’s Globe in New York. Three aisles and seats 270 degrees around the main thrust. A wooden balcony lined the upper edges of the entire playhouse, and ¾ was seating. A balcony in back was for musicians. Love's Labour’s Lost is ensemble play, so there are no true spotlight stars. It is made out of small roles, combining into a masterpiece. Like a jigsaw puzzle. Unlike things like Hamlet or Henry V, there is no one character whose name will be known by every child. Many wish to be an Orlando or Prince Hal. But many more are a Don Armando or a Costard. And many more people are in love with someone who scorns them than are fighting tyrants with shield and sword to save their king and father. 

It was a very endearing performance, on all fronts. There was comedy, and no shortage. They had the audience in stitches multiple times, including the famous library scene, where Dumaine at one point actually hid in the audience. The play was also accented by the princess, who was very sweet. Almost all of the actors were helped out at one point by Costard, who made anyone on stage look good. Don Armondo also was fabulous prancing around with Moth in his mock Spanish accent.