Stratford Festival: Stratford, Canada 2006

I see at least 100 plays a year--probably many more. "The Duchess of Malfi" was one of the most visually-arresting pieces I've ever witnessed. Director Peter Hinton and designer Carolyn M. Smith's interpretation of John Webster's grotesque tale of madness and passion nearly blew the lid off of the Tom Patterson Theatre. The bizarre little venue is a tight, rectangular space, which actually serves as the winter home of the Stratford Badminton Club. Lucy Peacock as the Duchess was riveting.



"London Assurance" was a colorful, wonderful feast for the senses. How can you argue with Brian Bedford? The brilliant man behind the makeup played the French comedy to perfection.

Shaw Festival: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada 2006

I can't recall the last time I saw a play that I wanted to go back to the next night. Tadeusz Bradecki's production of "The Crucible," starring the inimitable Benedict Campbell as John Proctor, is riveting. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat. I think I hit the head of the man in front of me at one point.