Julius Caesar Reviews

Sheilagh Hickie from Toronto, Ontario

JULIUS CESAT

Excellent production at Crows Theatre, especially the new added ending. First rate performances.

Alan Iskiw from Burlington, Ontario

A MODERN ADAPTATION WORTH SEEING

Great performances throughout, particularly Dion Johnstone who played Brutus. A modern take on the classic play, it worked. Performed in the round with a minimalist set, it was enhanced by excellent use of sound and light. We thoroughly enjoyed the play. There is a bit of a postlude added to the script where the characters give their perception on the activities and outcome of the play. Although some critics did not like it, we did. Very good show and we plan to return to this theatre.

Michael Smith from Toronto, Ontario

BOLD REIMAGINING WOUNDED BY WRETCHED EXCESS

This lively and very creative updating of the classic explodes on stage with a broadcast update that provides a back story for the contemporary setting of a Rome rendered timeless by imaginative staging, brilliant sound and lighting and costuming that plant it firmly in contemporary times of media, the military, mobs and power-mad politicians. The casting is gender-fluid and with a few exceptions , outstanding . The play is fast-paced and exciting up until the end of Act 3. A short intermission end with Acts 4 + 5 played at such fast pace and high intensity that it descends into a screaming match; character and pacing are lost as actors attempt to outshout the thunderous sound effects. Baffingly, the planet ends with each actor improvising their own reflections on the events preceding. It's comic when it should be serious, and embarrassment to the the text, the audience and the actors. There was laughter. Getting rid of this conclusion would be the kindest cut of all.

Keith Perrott from Toronto, Ontario

ALMOST A TRIUMPH

Which is better...a safe, reliable production, with few surprises, or an imaginative, daring production with a few bumps along the way, but one that stirs the mind and allows many great actors an opportunity to soar? I choose the latter, and this Julius Caesar is a production not to be missed. To say it is timely would be an understatement. Sadly, not much seems to have changed in 2,000 years....this J.C. brings that fact home with passion, anger, fear and perhaps just a touch of hope. But only a touch! And oh yes, it's immensely entertaining....bloody, violent, tragic....and unfortunately very real. See for yourself.

Frogmuncher from Toronto, Ontario

IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF PETER GRIFFIN...

It insists upon itself. It would be better if it wasn't trying so hard to be better.

Long-time theatre-goer from Toronto, Ontario

JULIUS STINKER

That really should be 0 stars. How could such accomplished and experienced actors let themselves be sandbagged so horribly by such an inadequate artistic director and his ego? This production is a total aberration with whole chunks of vital text removed from the play and replaced with trite dialogue, needless exposition and childish effects. Animal heads? Really? Stratford's Julius Caesar had women playing some of the male parts & it worked beautifully; Stratford's Coriolanus was set in modern times and was a triumph. Chris Abrahams tries both and proves himself woefully incapable. Do yourself a favour; save yourself the cost of the tickets and the frustration of walking out at the intermission. This show's one saving grace is that there IS an intermission and you WILL be able to leave. That's if you're unwise to show up in the first place.

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