SHOW REVIEWS

Mary Stuart, 2018 DSF:

“…This play turns into a pressure cooker, with religious and international factors turning up the heat. Director Rob Salas skillfully magnifies the tension as the plot thickens.”

“Schiller’s Mary Stuart stands as a great tragedy, though most of us have never seen it. You really should experience this classic, and Davis Shakespeare hits the bull’s-eye with this taut, lean staging.”
– Capitol Public Radio

“This critic has been waiting years to see this kind of summer festival launch locally. Davis Shakespeare, emerging as our newest professional theater company, is making that happen.”

“We’ve come to expect good work from Davis Shakespeare. Even so, Mary Stuart arrives as this summer’s bonus, a strong modern mounting of a classic”
– Sacramento News & Review

“Over the years, it has been a real joy to watch Davis Shakespeare Festival (formerly Davis Shakespeare Ensemble) grow in both professionalism and audience.”
– Davis Enterprise

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2017 DSF:

“This production by Davis Shakespeare is one of the freshest and funniest interpretations that I’ve encountered in a long time. And the surprise addition of a fleet of bicycles – many of them one-of-a-kind, custom-built bikes like you might see in a 4th of July parade — is a charming touch.”

“The gentle music and ringing bells conjure up a luminous, magical atmosphere. That happens a lot in this remarkable little production, which includes an original score and savvy sound design.”
– Capital Public Radio

“There are repeated outbreaks of love-at-first sight, and equally abrupt eruptions of romantic discord, all played with good-natured humor by Rob Salas, who is establishing himself as one of the best young directors in the region.”
– Sacramento News & Review

Wonderful Town, 2017 DSF:

“Davis Shakespeare’s light-hearted production is charming, and genuinely fun to watch. And it offers a rare opportunity to hear an undervalued Bernstein score.”

“The actresses playing the sisters in this production are real life siblings Gia and Gabby Batista. So it’s special when they sing together.”
– Capital Public Radio

The Three Musketeers, 2017 DSF:

“This fast-paced adventure comedy puts the emphasis on good humor, and nimble, quick fight choreography. You’ll like the eye-catching, colorful costumes.”

“D’Artagnan and the Musketeers are as dashing and affable as matinee idols, and these hunks charm the dickens out of the ladies onstage – and a few girls in the audience as well.”
– Capital Public Radio

“This rendition of The Three Musketeers is so fast, funny, spirited and theatrical.”
– Sacramento News & Review

Romeo & Juliet, 2016 DSF:

“Let’s get right to the point. Davis Shakespeare’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” is the best staging of this classic tragedy to play these parts during the past two decades…”

“Davis Shakespeare’s production of this classic play is stylish and informed by tradition, but it still hits you in a very immediate way. This is visceral, heart-pumping theater, not a visit to a museum. And it illustrates why Davis Shakespeare has emerged as the region’s newest professional theater company.”
– Capital Public Radio

“This production continues the level of excellence that we have come to expect from this company.”

“It’s a dream cast. Gabby Battista is a beautiful Juliet, whose face registers every emotion she feels… She’s both delicate and strong at the same time.”
– Davis Enterprise

Bells Are Ringing, 2016 DSF:

“But Gia Battista and Ian Hopps do make a charming couple.”
– Capital Public Radio

“Spicing things up are kooky supporting roles, including a dentist yearning to compose Broadway anthems (Tim Gaffaney) and a racetrack bookie pretending to run a legitimate classical record business (Kyle Stoner).”
– Sac News & Review

Cyrano de Bergerac, 2016 DSF:

“It is sheer fun from first to last, and Edwards’ energy is irresistible in the title role.”

“This appealing show ranks as one of the region’s best summer productions of a dramatic classic in recent years.”
– Capital Public Radio

“Local pro Matt Edwards gives a lively performance (with sparkling swordplay and verbal fireworks) in the title role.”
– Sac News & Review

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, 2015 DSF:

“Veteran pro Matt K. Miller is delightful as the talkative, convivial Chairman.”

“This Davis Shakespeare mounting… is the first notable local production in 25-plus years.”
– Sac News & Review

“With “Drood,” directed by Gia Battista, Davis Shakespeare steps up the production values across the board.”

“It’s an entertaining ride, and a musical journey worth taking.”
– Davis Enterprise

Twelfth Night, 2015 DSF:

“Matt Edwards (as Duke Orsino), Susanna Risser (Countess Olivia) and Kristi Webb (Viola) have the vocal chops to deliver Shakespeare’s high-end comedic language in a manner that is both entertaining and understandable.”

“Energetic young actor Ian Hopps’ eyes sparkle as he delivers Feste’s curiously wise nonsense lines; he also sings Feste’s songs with an engaging blend of merriment and melancholy.”
– Sac News & Review

“Davis Shakespeare is raising the bar for summer Shakespeare in the Sacramento region.”
– Capital Public Radio

Twelfth Night, 2015 DSF:

“Matt Edwards (as Duke Orsino), Susanna Risser (Countess Olivia) and Kristi Webb (Viola) have the vocal chops to deliver Shakespeare’s high-end comedic language in a manner that is both entertaining and understandable.”

“Energetic young actor Ian Hopps’ eyes sparkle as he delivers Feste’s curiously wise nonsense lines; he also sings Feste’s songs with an engaging blend of merriment and melancholy.”
– Sac News & Review

“Davis Shakespeare is raising the bar for summer Shakespeare in the Sacramento region.”
– Capital Public Radio

She Loves Me, 2014 DSF:

“I was impressed with this show’s clever pacing, fresh performances, and the natural romantic chemistry between the two leads.”

“Together, these shows make an impressive debut for the new Davis Shakespeare Festival.”
– Capital Public Radio

“This summer’s unexpected surprise—a stylish, charming, old-fashioned love story handled sweetly by director Gia Battista.”

“A well-rounded and very entertaining show.”
– Sac News & Review

Much Ado About Nothing, 2014 DSF: