In a small theater on the corner of South Fawcett and 6th, the Grand Cinema presents an opportunity to experience the joys of the Shakespeare’s Globe in Jacobean London.
In the play All’s Well That Ends Well performed in The Globe and deftly recorded live, the story of young love and ambition unfolds.
The audience is first introduced to a young and beautiful woman named Helena. After the death of her father, a famous physician, she is put into the care of the wise and loving Countess of Rousillon.
Hopelessly in love with the Countess’ son Bertram, Helena leaves for Paris and, using her father’s medicinal arts, cures the king in exchange for the choice of any husband she wishes to have.
Bertram is both shocked and appalled at her choice and flees to the military in France in order to escape this forced marriage. Tears, trickery and chaos follow but as the title ensures, all’s well in the end. Aside from an engaging plot, the movie offers an amazing chance to see truly talented actors and actresses perform live in London.
Ellie Piercy convincingly portrays the heroine, Helena, with a modern grace and determination. Her strong clear voice and upright posture contributed to her passionate performance of a girl with a purpose and the intent to fulfill it.
Displaying a character that is selfish and undeserving, Sam Crane was able to add another layer of character to Bertram the Count. Crane creates for the audience a conflicted man who is half in love with a woman that his wealthy ego detests due to his social standings. His character brings out both disgust and pity from the audience successfully in the play.
Elegant, witty and caring, Janie Dee gives the Countess a majestic touch with her sublime acting ability. With a noble yet sassy depiction of her character, Dee is able to add regal nuances to her dramatic acting and lines. James Garnon, who plays Patrolles, acts as the traitorous coward with a huge ego filled with pride and puns. His performance added to the on-screen play’s comedic scenes that kept the audience entertained and laughing throughout.
The fluid movements and crisp clear dialogue deserve a storm of appreciation from Shakespeare lovers, for the well executed acting seen throughout this 138-minute play.
Feeling as if she got the optimal theater experience, Maryann Allem said, “The play was wonderful with the incredible acting and its historically accurate music and beautifully detailed costumes.”
With brilliant acting, witty banter and an interesting plot it was difficult to find any faults to the play. The flawless recording of the live performance made the experience real and beautiful to watch.
Avid movie watcher Elaine Nguyen enjoyed “being able to experience a play performed in London” and “participating like an audience would at the Globe.”
Catch the second and third installments of this series and experience the Globe for yourself in the comfort of Tacoma’s non-profit art-house theatre. The Grand never fails to book a wonderful selection of interesting art films that you would not normally see in a big box-office theater. The antique characteristics of the old theater only add to the great movie-going experience to be found there.
Be sure to bring your student ID for regular movies to receive a special student discount. Unlike most large movie houses, you can expect to find affordable prices for tickets and snacks, making it a great place for a night out with friends or a special date.
This volunteer-based cinema is a hidden Tacoma gem with a sole purpose to enrich the community through the art of film.
For more information on showtimes, ticket prices, ways to get involved, and other Grand Cinema events, please visit their website at: http://www.grandcinema.com/
