Zach Wyatt, center, is Pericles holding his bride to be, the king’s daughter Thaisa, played by Leah Haile in “Pericles,” a Royal Shakespeare Company production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. (Photo by Johan Persson.)
Somewhat recommended
Maybe, I was in the mood for a solid Shakespearean play. In “Pericles,” supposedly half penned by William Shakespeare, members of the renown Royal Shakespeare Company flit around the stage as if in a remake of an 18th century enchanted forest dream complete with music and dance.
The production doesn’t get better until the last act which sounds more like the Bard’s thoughts and then it becomes a tearjerker.
Pericles, well depicted by Zach Wyatt, has been wandering the seas and islands with grief for Thaisa, his supposedly dead wife who died giving birth to daughter Marina. The daughter is supposed to be taken care of but isn’t.
He finds that long-lost daughter, nicely portrayed by Rachelle Diedericks, in a brothel. Then, he reconnects with his wife who has been brought back to life as a high priestess.
After everyone lovingly embrace, Pericles and Marina leave to find a suitable sacrifice to goddess Diana.
DETAILS: “Pericles” is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater now through Dec. 7, 2024. Running Time: 2 hrs, 40 minutes with one intermission. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago.
For tickets and more information visit Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Jodie Jacobs
For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago.