It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a production of Love’s Labour’s Lost, probably when Cincy Shakes staged in 16 years ago in their old Race Street theater space. They’ve updated it this time with a concept rooted in John Hughes’s teen dramedies (Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, etc.). That kind of makes sense since Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is about angsty relations between some self-important, naive guys and some perceptive gals who have fun toying with them. Director Matthew Lewis Johnson has given a “totally tubular” treatment in a preppy high school in the 1980s with a technicolor set, big hair (some hilarious wigs), exaggerated costuming and a ton of tunes, disco and otherwise from that era.
There’s a lot of silly humor, but much of it comes at the expense of some of the play’s more serious thoughts, emotions and moments. An avalanche of words, to be sure, and so much comedy. If you’re in the mood for an evening of laughs, this is the show for you. But I found it uneven with the serious dialogue about love often lost in the shuffle. On stage at 1195 Elm Street through Dec. 6 — followed by lots more hilarity when the annual holiday offering, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) will have everyone laughing for the holidays.
Here’s my Talkin’ Broadway review: https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/cincy/cincy572.html
PHOTO BY MIKKI SCHAFFNER