THEATRE
Lear 
Presented by
Vortex Repertory Company
at
The VORTEX
May 20-June 18, 2011
Avg. Event Rating (4.2 Stars):
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In an age when women hold more power and in a time when the media turns the private into the public a mother divides her empire among her daughters. As her world crumbles and her family turns its back on her, can she face the storm and find love, forgiveness, and peace? A Celtic legend made into a Renaissance masterpiece, The VORTEX now re-imagines William Shakespeare's King Lear as a female leader for the modern world, where globalization blurs the line between governments and corporations and names like Clinton, Palin, Thatcher, Stewart, Wintour, and Winfrey have inspired admiration, contempt and controversy. Jennifer Underwood leads a cast of Austin's finest actors in a story of gender and power, family and business, compassion and betrayal.
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
The VORTEX
2307 Manor Road
Austin, TX 78722
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets:
$30-$10
$30-$25 Priority Seating
$20-$15 General Admission
$10 Starving Artists and Students
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Dates & Times
Dates:
May 20-June 18, 2011
Times:
Thursday-Sunday 8pm
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: Lear
"Didn't quite live up to expectations"
Review
posted by:
Halicia
from Austin, TX,
Jun 14, 2011
I was really excited to see this adaptation of LEAR. I'd heard that the people involved with this particular show were 'the top Austin actors/artists', but --in my opinion-- many of the performances...
Expand
I was really excited to see this adaptation of LEAR. I'd heard that the people involved with this particular show were 'the top Austin actors/artists', but --in my opinion-- many of the performances fell flat. I felt that most of the performances rested in one level, not very dynamic. One actress that rose above the mediocrity was Jennifer Coy. She had a natural ability for language and played her elitist character with ease and believability.
Although the gender/role choices were interesting (and they did work in the context of the show), the rest of the show was just a typical night of Shakespeare. Nothing more, nothing less. It wasn't bad, just not spectacular. I just moved to Austin from Seattle, so perhaps my Shakespeare expectations are a bit high.
I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to see ‘quality Shakespeare’, but if you’re looking to be emotionally moved or touched by a night of theatre, I’d look elsewhere.
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Event Name: Lear
"Lear: heart-jumps and goosebumps"
Review
posted by:
Ryan Orsinger
from San Antonio, TX,
Jun 13, 2011
Never before has any Shakespeare play made my heart skip a beat, let alone at a scene where I knew what was coming! Nor have I ever had goosebumps when a character's corpse is dragged on stage, again...
Expand
Never before has any Shakespeare play made my heart skip a beat, let alone at a scene where I knew what was coming! Nor have I ever had goosebumps when a character's corpse is dragged on stage, again when I knew it was coming! When's the last time you spent the better part of a play with your eyes wide and enthralled and your jaw on the floor?
The most amazing part of seeing Lear's televised breakdown was being torn between whether to watch the screen or look directly at Lear's face. Jenny Underwood's raw emotional power in this scene created an amazing tension between watching 'the real thing' or seeing the live projection on the screen behind her. You have to see this scene to feel it and see what I mean. It was like watching a race car crash or choosing to view the live broadcast on the big screen behind the real car crash. Which one is more engaging, more safe, or feels more real?
Kent tickled my ears with his cadence and rhythm, especially when matching words and wits...(more)
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Deeply moving and powerful."
Review
posted by:
Jen
from Austin, Tx,
May 27, 2011
Lear has always seemed to me a very difficult play
to understand both from the plot structure and the
fractured poetry and prose. I felt that Rudy Ramirez
and this amazing cast did a fantastic job...
Expand
Lear has always seemed to me a very difficult play
to understand both from the plot structure and the
fractured poetry and prose. I felt that Rudy Ramirez
and this amazing cast did a fantastic job in
bringing it to life. There was so much more
laughter than I expected and the end left me
weeping so that it took me several minutes to get
myself together after the curtain. I don't usually
care for modern settings, but the starkness of this
one really adds to this play and the intrusive
presence of the media really gives the intense
action a feeling of hypertension and almost
paranoid quality. I am so very thankful that I got
out to see it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Passion, power, treachery, madness, death . . ."
Review
posted by:
Polistes
from Austin, TX USA,
May 27, 2011
For those who are familiar with Lear, this should be a satisfying adaptation: J. Underwood was a fine choice as Lear. One comment notes that she didn't get into the part right away; not so on the...
Expand
For those who are familiar with Lear, this should be a satisfying adaptation: J. Underwood was a fine choice as Lear. One comment notes that she didn't get into the part right away; not so on the night I saw it. From the start, she was the proud monarch, eager to let go of the duties and responsibilities of ruling, but VERY reluctant to give the trappings of her position. Ambition, power, anger, treachery, lies, and deceit follow. Then madness. Then some deaths. Who to watch: The daughters, especially Goneril and Regan most of the time, then Cordelia. The Fool. Young Edda, and the bastard, base Edmund. Kent! Gloucester and Cornwall. "Lear" can be difficult to follow, but I found this adaptation quite accessible. Some FINE acting here. Shakespeare fan or not, you should see this for the passion, both in Shakespeare's words and in the actors' bringing the words to life.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Wright choice for an evening out."
Review
posted by:
C.W.
from Austin, TX,
May 27, 2011
There are plenty of other Goodding reasons for Smith-ing a Boss date with a Coy gal to see this play. Fifth star Under wood in Heath scene- alas, out-cracked by fx and media showers [admittedly, I...
Expand
There are plenty of other Goodding reasons for Smith-ing a Boss date with a Coy gal to see this play. Fifth star Under wood in Heath scene- alas, out-cracked by fx and media showers [admittedly, I like my storms traditional]. Eye must say eye was Mick-le impressed with other tech and make up in the show, though.
So much good in this production I wouldn't miss it. See it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Not Quite my Cup of Lear"
Comment
posted by:
Celia Hughes
from Austin, Tx,
May 24, 2011
The gender-bending cast of Shakespear's Lear worked in some instances, but altogether, the entire endeavor left me a bit confused. I am not very familiar with the play, and at times, I had difficulty...
Expand
The gender-bending cast of Shakespear's Lear worked in some instances, but altogether, the entire endeavor left me a bit confused. I am not very familiar with the play, and at times, I had difficulty following the action and the intent. Jennifer Underwood as Lear appeared to be a good choice, however, did did not really fully embrace the character until the third act. Using TV news and sound bites broadcast from television screens on the sparse set did help to make the connection between government and corporations, but really did little to advance the plot. Perhaps with a little more time in front of an audience, this Lear will rise to the heights intended.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Odd choices, not always effective"
Review
posted by:
Michael Meigs, Austin Live Theatre
from Austin,
May 23, 2011
The Vortex version of Lear features several accomplished Austin actors, including most notably Jennifer Underwood in the title role, but director Rudy Ramirez trivializes Shakespeare's great epic of...
Expand
The Vortex version of Lear features several accomplished Austin actors, including most notably Jennifer Underwood in the title role, but director Rudy Ramirez trivializes Shakespeare's great epic of royal folly and delusion. Lear's rage against the storm is converted into her confused confrontation with paparazzi, and key narration is projected as sound-bites from MSNBC-style talking heads, proving that style can defeat substance. Cross-gender casting for the roles of Kent and Edda (Edgar) is puzzling; less so for Shannon Grounds as the Fool. Underwood doesn't really get going until the mad scene in Act IV, scene 6. Other standouts in the cast include Micah Goodding as the wily and wicked bastard Edmund, Jen Coy as Regan and Tom Truss as Cornwall. The last third or so of the production -- from the blinding of Gloucester onward -- has impact and conviction.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Rising to the occasion"
Review
posted by:
Stephen
from Austin, TX,
May 22, 2011
The Vortex Theatre has no problem tackling a multitude of play subjects new or old. Shakespeare is certainly one of the old ones. Adapter/Director Rudy Ramirez makes great use of his obvious skills....
Expand
The Vortex Theatre has no problem tackling a multitude of play subjects new or old. Shakespeare is certainly one of the old ones. Adapter/Director Rudy Ramirez makes great use of his obvious skills. The stage is minimalist which is surprising for Vortex but works well for the style of Shakespeare. Jennifer Underwood, as Lear, a great decision. When I heard a woman would play Lear I was so happy. The new perspectives of love, loss, loyalty or disloyalty told from a mothers/womans perspective is so great to see. The three daughters all great in their way. Shannon Grounds as the Fool and Amelia Turner as Edda stood out so much for their completely making the stage their own with every word and action. Even when they were on stage together they had just the right balance to both own it. See this play. It is a bit long but there are two intermissions and as the play moves along it certainly knows how to take the audience into a not so subtle decent into madness, fighting, loss and tragedy.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Bonnie McCullum and Vortex did it again!"
Review
posted by:
P. Stone
from Austin, TX,
May 22, 2011
From beginning to end Lear, a twist as Lear is a Queen instead of a King and played brilliantly by Jennifer Underwood. Set against a very stark a minimalist modern set, proves again that scenery may...
Expand
From beginning to end Lear, a twist as Lear is a Queen instead of a King and played brilliantly by Jennifer Underwood. Set against a very stark a minimalist modern set, proves again that scenery may change, but deceit,corruption, lies and murder never change. Julie Wright as Kent, fantastic. The three sisters, what a trio of talent and level of range in portraying the different daughters of Lear. This is a solid, and inspired production. Best Acting, music, direction, set,....One of the best fight scenes I have seen in a long time on the Austin stage. Make the time and go see it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"from riches to rags"
Review
posted by:
theaterlover
from Austin, TX,
May 21, 2011
The stage is minimalistic and stark – just the right setting for a great drama to unfold. Shakespeare plays work well set in any time period. Turning Lear from King into Queen actually adds to the...
Expand
The stage is minimalistic and stark – just the right setting for a great drama to unfold. Shakespeare plays work well set in any time period. Turning Lear from King into Queen actually adds to the poignancy of the play. Jennifer Underwood is magnificent – she portrays the journey from fame and success to total desolation with great sensitivity - ably supported by a great cast. Special mention is due to Shannon Grounds as the fool and Amelia Turner as Edda. The villains – lead by Goneril, Regan and Edmund display just the right amount of deceit and contempt for all - the perfect foil to the decency of Cordelia, Cornwall and Kent. The fight scenes were well choreographed. All in all – you will not want to miss this great performance.
Collapse
-
Media
Gallery
-
All Media Gallery
Video
|
Images
Images
-
Member
Reviews
-
Member Reviews
Add review/comment
-
Event Name: Lear
"Didn't quite live up to expectations"
Review
posted by:
Halicia
from Austin, TX,
Jun 14, 2011
I was really excited to see this adaptation of LEAR. I'd heard that the people involved with this particular show were 'the top Austin actors/artists', but --in my opinion-- many of the performances...
Expand
I was really excited to see this adaptation of LEAR. I'd heard that the people involved with this particular show were 'the top Austin actors/artists', but --in my opinion-- many of the performances fell flat. I felt that most of the performances rested in one level, not very dynamic. One actress that rose above the mediocrity was Jennifer Coy. She had a natural ability for language and played her elitist character with ease and believability.
Although the gender/role choices were interesting (and they did work in the context of the show), the rest of the show was just a typical night of Shakespeare. Nothing more, nothing less. It wasn't bad, just not spectacular. I just moved to Austin from Seattle, so perhaps my Shakespeare expectations are a bit high.
I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to see ‘quality Shakespeare’, but if you’re looking to be emotionally moved or touched by a night of theatre, I’d look elsewhere.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Lear: heart-jumps and goosebumps"
Review
posted by:
Ryan Orsinger
from San Antonio, TX,
Jun 13, 2011
Never before has any Shakespeare play made my heart skip a beat, let alone at a scene where I knew what was coming! Nor have I ever had goosebumps when a character's corpse is dragged on stage, again...
Expand
Never before has any Shakespeare play made my heart skip a beat, let alone at a scene where I knew what was coming! Nor have I ever had goosebumps when a character's corpse is dragged on stage, again when I knew it was coming! When's the last time you spent the better part of a play with your eyes wide and enthralled and your jaw on the floor?
The most amazing part of seeing Lear's televised breakdown was being torn between whether to watch the screen or look directly at Lear's face. Jenny Underwood's raw emotional power in this scene created an amazing tension between watching 'the real thing' or seeing the live projection on the screen behind her. You have to see this scene to feel it and see what I mean. It was like watching a race car crash or choosing to view the live broadcast on the big screen behind the real car crash. Which one is more engaging, more safe, or feels more real?
Kent tickled my ears with his cadence and rhythm, especially when matching words and wits...(more)
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Deeply moving and powerful."
Review
posted by:
Jen
from Austin, Tx,
May 27, 2011
Lear has always seemed to me a very difficult play
to understand both from the plot structure and the
fractured poetry and prose. I felt that Rudy Ramirez
and this amazing cast did a fantastic job...
Expand
Lear has always seemed to me a very difficult play
to understand both from the plot structure and the
fractured poetry and prose. I felt that Rudy Ramirez
and this amazing cast did a fantastic job in
bringing it to life. There was so much more
laughter than I expected and the end left me
weeping so that it took me several minutes to get
myself together after the curtain. I don't usually
care for modern settings, but the starkness of this
one really adds to this play and the intrusive
presence of the media really gives the intense
action a feeling of hypertension and almost
paranoid quality. I am so very thankful that I got
out to see it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Passion, power, treachery, madness, death . . ."
Review
posted by:
Polistes
from Austin, TX USA,
May 27, 2011
For those who are familiar with Lear, this should be a satisfying adaptation: J. Underwood was a fine choice as Lear. One comment notes that she didn't get into the part right away; not so on the...
Expand
For those who are familiar with Lear, this should be a satisfying adaptation: J. Underwood was a fine choice as Lear. One comment notes that she didn't get into the part right away; not so on the night I saw it. From the start, she was the proud monarch, eager to let go of the duties and responsibilities of ruling, but VERY reluctant to give the trappings of her position. Ambition, power, anger, treachery, lies, and deceit follow. Then madness. Then some deaths. Who to watch: The daughters, especially Goneril and Regan most of the time, then Cordelia. The Fool. Young Edda, and the bastard, base Edmund. Kent! Gloucester and Cornwall. "Lear" can be difficult to follow, but I found this adaptation quite accessible. Some FINE acting here. Shakespeare fan or not, you should see this for the passion, both in Shakespeare's words and in the actors' bringing the words to life.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Wright choice for an evening out."
Review
posted by:
C.W.
from Austin, TX,
May 27, 2011
There are plenty of other Goodding reasons for Smith-ing a Boss date with a Coy gal to see this play. Fifth star Under wood in Heath scene- alas, out-cracked by fx and media showers [admittedly, I...
Expand
There are plenty of other Goodding reasons for Smith-ing a Boss date with a Coy gal to see this play. Fifth star Under wood in Heath scene- alas, out-cracked by fx and media showers [admittedly, I like my storms traditional]. Eye must say eye was Mick-le impressed with other tech and make up in the show, though.
So much good in this production I wouldn't miss it. See it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Not Quite my Cup of Lear"
Comment
posted by:
Celia Hughes
from Austin, Tx,
May 24, 2011
The gender-bending cast of Shakespear's Lear worked in some instances, but altogether, the entire endeavor left me a bit confused. I am not very familiar with the play, and at times, I had difficulty...
Expand
The gender-bending cast of Shakespear's Lear worked in some instances, but altogether, the entire endeavor left me a bit confused. I am not very familiar with the play, and at times, I had difficulty following the action and the intent. Jennifer Underwood as Lear appeared to be a good choice, however, did did not really fully embrace the character until the third act. Using TV news and sound bites broadcast from television screens on the sparse set did help to make the connection between government and corporations, but really did little to advance the plot. Perhaps with a little more time in front of an audience, this Lear will rise to the heights intended.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Odd choices, not always effective"
Review
posted by:
Michael Meigs, Austin Live Theatre
from Austin,
May 23, 2011
The Vortex version of Lear features several accomplished Austin actors, including most notably Jennifer Underwood in the title role, but director Rudy Ramirez trivializes Shakespeare's great epic of...
Expand
The Vortex version of Lear features several accomplished Austin actors, including most notably Jennifer Underwood in the title role, but director Rudy Ramirez trivializes Shakespeare's great epic of royal folly and delusion. Lear's rage against the storm is converted into her confused confrontation with paparazzi, and key narration is projected as sound-bites from MSNBC-style talking heads, proving that style can defeat substance. Cross-gender casting for the roles of Kent and Edda (Edgar) is puzzling; less so for Shannon Grounds as the Fool. Underwood doesn't really get going until the mad scene in Act IV, scene 6. Other standouts in the cast include Micah Goodding as the wily and wicked bastard Edmund, Jen Coy as Regan and Tom Truss as Cornwall. The last third or so of the production -- from the blinding of Gloucester onward -- has impact and conviction.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Rising to the occasion"
Review
posted by:
Stephen
from Austin, TX,
May 22, 2011
The Vortex Theatre has no problem tackling a multitude of play subjects new or old. Shakespeare is certainly one of the old ones. Adapter/Director Rudy Ramirez makes great use of his obvious skills....
Expand
The Vortex Theatre has no problem tackling a multitude of play subjects new or old. Shakespeare is certainly one of the old ones. Adapter/Director Rudy Ramirez makes great use of his obvious skills. The stage is minimalist which is surprising for Vortex but works well for the style of Shakespeare. Jennifer Underwood, as Lear, a great decision. When I heard a woman would play Lear I was so happy. The new perspectives of love, loss, loyalty or disloyalty told from a mothers/womans perspective is so great to see. The three daughters all great in their way. Shannon Grounds as the Fool and Amelia Turner as Edda stood out so much for their completely making the stage their own with every word and action. Even when they were on stage together they had just the right balance to both own it. See this play. It is a bit long but there are two intermissions and as the play moves along it certainly knows how to take the audience into a not so subtle decent into madness, fighting, loss and tragedy.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"Bonnie McCullum and Vortex did it again!"
Review
posted by:
P. Stone
from Austin, TX,
May 22, 2011
From beginning to end Lear, a twist as Lear is a Queen instead of a King and played brilliantly by Jennifer Underwood. Set against a very stark a minimalist modern set, proves again that scenery may...
Expand
From beginning to end Lear, a twist as Lear is a Queen instead of a King and played brilliantly by Jennifer Underwood. Set against a very stark a minimalist modern set, proves again that scenery may change, but deceit,corruption, lies and murder never change. Julie Wright as Kent, fantastic. The three sisters, what a trio of talent and level of range in portraying the different daughters of Lear. This is a solid, and inspired production. Best Acting, music, direction, set,....One of the best fight scenes I have seen in a long time on the Austin stage. Make the time and go see it.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Lear
"from riches to rags"
Review
posted by:
theaterlover
from Austin, TX,
May 21, 2011
The stage is minimalistic and stark – just the right setting for a great drama to unfold. Shakespeare plays work well set in any time period. Turning Lear from King into Queen actually adds to the...
Expand
The stage is minimalistic and stark – just the right setting for a great drama to unfold. Shakespeare plays work well set in any time period. Turning Lear from King into Queen actually adds to the poignancy of the play. Jennifer Underwood is magnificent – she portrays the journey from fame and success to total desolation with great sensitivity - ably supported by a great cast. Special mention is due to Shannon Grounds as the fool and Amelia Turner as Edda. The villains – lead by Goneril, Regan and Edmund display just the right amount of deceit and contempt for all - the perfect foil to the decency of Cordelia, Cornwall and Kent. The fight scenes were well choreographed. All in all – you will not want to miss this great performance.
Collapse
-
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