Leaving Shakespeare

Leaving Shakespeare was a cleverly written play that had me captivated, laughing, entertained, and feeling from the heart from start to finish. Bringing Shakespeare’s characters into present day and imagining what could have been and what could be now was brilliant, and the actors were outstanding in bringing the characters to life. I’m already looking forward to the next creative work by Dana Beardsley Crotwell!... full review

A great play performed by a wonderful cast. Really thought provoking and made me consider how much violence towards women we’ve just allowed - in our literature, our media, our personal lives - the massages we’ve been sent for hundreds of years. The performances were all stellar but Savannah Schoenecker’s performance stood out for her seemless transitional work and range. A great showcase for her many talents.... full review

Amazing show, really enjoyed the modernization of Shakespeare while being true to the original text!... full review

Leaving Shakespeare is a clever, sharp adaptation of “Shake’s” literature bringing some old themes into the modern world. Kudos to the writer(s) and actors for their brilliant and passionate performances which brought up intense feelings within the audience. The show tackles complex dynamics in a humorous, lighthearted and healing manner. ... full review

I would describe Leaving Shakespeare as engaging and engrossing. Even as someone who isn't familiar with all of the characters explored, I found myself drawn into their stories and wanting to learn more.... full review

I have been following Dana Beardsley Crotwell for many years. Her poems and writings are visceral . The writing of Leaving Shakespeare , the direction production and acting was superb . ... full review

Thoroughly enjoyable take on how we could center Shakespeare’s women.... full review

Shakespeare wrote about women and in so doing often gave them limiting voices. Leaving Shakespeare--through the muse of Dana Crotwell--allows the women to speak for themselves, to own their strengths and weaknesses, and to come to terms with their various predicaments. A nice blend of humor and solemnity, the play wonderfully explores issues that women have faced well before and since the bard wrote about them.... full review

What a unique play this was. Using Shakespeare's female characters as a launching point to illustrate women's issues today, that's a bold undertaking! There was humor, compassion and the sketches even illustrated constructive solutions for resolving typical relationship problems. The actors did a great job in their multiple roles and diverse characters. It was a very heartfelt play and the content stuck with me long after it was over.... full review

Leaving Shakespeare shines a light on the depth and complexity of Shakespeare’s heroines by intertwining their stories with the realities of modern womanhood to present an engaging mix of beautifully poignant and sharply funny vignettes. It’s a production that feels both timeless and so relevant to the current moment. You’ll walk away wishing this was the version of Shakespeare you’d been taught in English class! ... full review