“A gem…Lisa Wolpe, in the title role, is at once beguiling and obscene, conveying all the necessary slime, sex and charm to bring the beast off the page. Judith Lewis
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“Wolpe is a mesmerizing and miraculous Richard, giving him such a slithery, most gleeful joy in his deathly web of twisted and world-class scheming that it makes one want to – appropriately – go home and take a shower. Thanks to the determination of Lisa Wolpe and her Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company, even theatrical perfection recognized for several centuries can obviously be improved upon.
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“The best reason to see this Richard III is it’s taut, superb acting. Lisa Wolpe delivers an overwhelming, hypnotic portrayal of the dominating central figure. Her inspiration and energy never flag as she imparts shape and depth to Richard’s Machiavellian nature, whether he be carrying out his villainous sexual stratagems … Even hardened skeptics will be convinced by this brilliant, revelatory staging by the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company
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“What would the Bard say if he saw this all-female production of Richard III? Certainly he would rave about Lisa Wolpe’s outstanding performance of the title role… She is so good, in fact, that the other actors onstage with her often get lost in the background.
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“RICHARD III (1996) The best Richard III this critic has seen in years…an evening of Shakespeare at his finest.
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“By now it comes as no surprise that when this dauntless company sets itself a task, accepts a challenge, it will be equal to the effort. With blithe disregard of barriers – of sex, color, whatever – the Women’s Shakespeare Company just gets on with it. Required only are talent, training, energy and conviction. Staging is creative, ingenious and impeccable…Measure for Measure is a triumphant re-affirmation of the critical success won by this company in the five years since it’s founding, and a gratifying, heart-warming, rewarding experience of theatre. CRITIC’S CHOICE – DRAMALOGUE Among this engaging cast, two performers stand out. As Isabella’s lecherous tormentor Angelo, Lisa Wolpe affords a chilling glimpse of moral decay cloaked in sanctimony – the universal garb of corrupt politicians, past and present.
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“MEASURE FOR MEASURE (1997) Lisa Wolpe’s performance as Angelo can be measured only by the highest rule it is intense, focused, inspired and magnificent.
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“LAWSC’s Artistic Director Lisa Wolpe has outdone herself again, as creative visionary, as director, and as the young hero Lysander; There is a
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palpable spirit and joy that radiates in waves from everyone in this not-tobe missed presentation, one of the true theatrical highlights of the year in Los Angeles… a phenomenal mounting of Shakespeare’s most beloved play.
“An enchanting production of the Bard’s frothiest comedy…as director,Wolpe demonstrates an adroit and highly polished sense of humor; her
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production crackles with hilariously depicted physical comedy.
“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (1998) LAWSC offers a superlative production of the Bard’s classic… Wolpe’s comedic staging is impeccable
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