All’s Well That Ends Well

William Shakespeare wrote thirty-seven plays published in the First Folio in 1623. Eleven were histories, twelve were tragedies, and fourteen were comedies. All's Well that Ends Well ranks next to last as one of Shakespeare's best comedies. Still, theater companies worldwide have performed this play to large audiences. And Chicago Shakespeare Theater's performance of this play will give you a whimsical hoot! 

Summarizing this play, All's Well That Ends Well deals with a loved-struck ward named Helen (Alejandra Escalante), who is in love with the countess's son Bertram, who has no desire for her. However, being the daughter of a recently deceased physician, she learns particular recuperations to heal the King of France. The King is skeptical, but after Helen convinces him she can cure his ailments, he agrees but tells her he will put her to death if she fails. After healing him, he grants her permission to marry and choose a husband from the men under his authority. Helen chooses Bertram (Dante Jemmott), but he rejects bringing the wrath of the King against him, who promised Helen the husband of her choosing. Finally, after being forced to take her hand or be banished from the King's presence, Bertram unwillingly agrees but places a list of tasks Helen must accomplish to have him acknowledge their marriage. Bertram enlisted and went to war in Italy and saw a beautiful maiden named Diana; he sought to wed. 

Helen reads a letter from Bertram detailing he will not return home until she has born him a child, even though they have not sexually bonded. She fakes her death to deceive Bertram into believing he is free from his obligations and follows him to Italy. She meets three ladies, Mariana (Tanya Thai McBride), Capilet, Widow of Florence (Christiana Clark), and her virgin daughter Diana (Emma Ladji). When Diana learns that Helen is Bertram's wife and that he set impossible requirements before he will return to Helen, they use trickery to devise a plan to have Bertram lay with Helen.  

Directed by Shana Cooper, the cast features Steppenwolf renowned ensemble members, Francis Guinan (King of France) and Ora Jones (Countess of Rossillion), along with the incredible William Dick is joined by Mark Bedard (Parolles), Elizabeth Ledo (Lavatch). Bedard, who played the disloyal associate and bombastic coward, and Ledo, who reminds me of a young Mickey Rooney in this play, are fantastic. 

The unorthodox mixture of comedy, love, and loyalty is proof why this lesser-known play didn't receive rave reviews. It's hard to question the greatest of Shakespeare; however, in this play, the disconnection between characters, their emotions reverse of love and detestation feelings is puzzling. 

Case in point:

When Diana obtains Bertram's ring in exchange for one of Helen's rings, the scheme to deceive him and consummate Helen's marriage has begun. She follows Bertram back to the kingdom where he is to meet with the King and explains the ring swap, announcing that she has fulfilled Bertram's challenge. Impressed by all she has done to win him, Bertram swears his love for her. Thus all ends well, and the play concludes. 

There is nothing lovable about Bertram, but maybe Shakespeare was prophesying that not all heroes are likable. Helen comes out as an obsessive woman, looking to advance her status by using her deceased father's medical skills. And the detestable Parolles, who the soldiers deliberately wanted to embarrass, chose to betray his associates and the kingdom to save his soul. The question is, is that a comedy or a tragedy.  

Shakespeare's attempt to bring in comedy to cover obvious loopholes and rapid solutions with no apparent reasons or explanation seem to be shortsighted. Still, the play, which teeters between a comedy or tragedy, lacks substance. But as a testament to his brilliance, Shakespeare's All's Well That Ends Well, fragmented description of how things can instantaneously change, is a product of everyday life and how even if it doesn't start well, the ending can still turn out well. 

Let's Play Theatrical Review Recommends Chicago Shakespeare Theater's; All's Well That Ends Well. 

Shakespeare Theatre

All's Well That Ends Well

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Shana Cooper

April 22 - May 29, 2022