The Divine Madness of Isabella

This is a very well directed play with a great pace. I didn't really care for the story at all, but loved the performance and the presentation. Ms. Gough is a very good actress who disolves into her character. There is never a point where she doesn't give fully. I appreciate the commitment. I loved the masks and the puppets...and I don't care how juvenile that sounds. ... full review

Masterful performer, great story, well written and executed.... full review

Really strong one woman performance! I'm not normally into solo shows, but she really kept thrusting it forward at an almost relentless pace. The masks were great, and the puppets were hilarious.... full review

I'm not big on leaving reviews on shows I don't like because I know how hard everybody is working on their projects and this show was clearly a labor of passion... and yet in this case particularly I need to warn people who are buying tickets that this really might not be the show that you were looking for. I was bored to tears. The biggest problem for me probably was the fact that many of Isabella's characters voices were in these annoying upper register and there is only so much of the squealing and scratching puppet voices the human ear can take before you just want to yank your ears clean off. Another thing that was confusing for me was I had no idea what the context for this play was. Was this a metaphor for the actresses life? T... full review

This piece is a decent introduction to life as a female with poetic tendencies in the 16th century, with decisions being made for her and fighting with the more bawdy diva in the troupe. Being encouraged to try on masks and take pictures in the lobby made for a jovial start. I just wanted more depth, more breath, less of a fever pitch throughout the entire 90 minutes and much more distinction between characters. Next week I'm writing more on the themes and Isabella for LA Female Playwrights Initiative (lafpi.com), and the play gave me a lot to ponder. I hope Gough continues to explore how to breathe life into Isabella's story, instead of dramatizing a timeline of her life.... full review

It is a breath of fresh air to see some knowledgeable cammedia del arte. Usually its all just so rushed and poorly performed. Not so with this show. I say GO see it! It's a journey unlike any other at fringe. ... full review

I see a lot of theater and I have to say that this is one of the most unique and creative productions I have seen in Los Angeles. I felt like I was transported to Italy as I followed the life, love, laughter and truly divine madness of Isabella. Brava to Wendy Gough for bringing a little bit of Commedia Del Arte to our own backyard. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see this form of theater done so well. You won't be disappointed.... full review