The performance I saw was outstanding. First of all, it was a treat to see a new G. & S., but beyond that, the level of the production, in all regards, was far beyond all expectations. I noted with pleasure the costumes, the staging, the choreography, the sets, the setting, the voices, the delivery of the lyrics. I found the result delightful and it gave the premise of Ruddigore great style. Nothing had prepared me for this superb experience. After all, I had been told the company was not paid, which translated that it was not a professional company. What a misconception! There was certainly nothing to be desired; beyond a doubt it was of Broadway or Londoncalibre. Gilbert & Sullivan would have been (or are, in the spirit of the premise) very proud, I’m sure. — SC
What a great production that was! As usual, the singing, choreography, costumes, sets, choruses were outstanding, but it is a triumph because of your vision which unites it all and gives it cohesion and momentum. Could feel your presence all the way through – really superb! Thanks for a wonderful evening and look forward to many more productions. — SG
אנו שמחים לארח אתכם שוב בבית שמואל עם הפקה חדשה ונפלאה מבית היוצר של גילברט וסאליבן. בסיום כל הפקה שלכם נדמה שכבר אי אפשר לחדש דבר ועם זאת כל פעם אתם מצליחים להפתיע אותי מחדש. ההפקה הפעם צבעונית ומשעשעת, קטעי הריקוד משולבים באופן מופלא, הומור מתובל היטב, התזמורת שוב עושה פלאים, התפאורה מהממת…
אני חושבת שאתם מצליחים להרגיש את ה”חיבוק” החם ומלא הערכה מהקהל בסיום כל הופעה. אני מודה לכם על רגעי הנאה צרופה ומאחלת המשך הופעות מוצלחות.
צירפתי כמה תמונות שלי למזכרת.
אורלי שגב
מנהלת תוכן ושיווק
מחלקת מופעים, מרכז שמשון – בית שמואל
I went to see the matinee show yesterday and had to rush out straight away so I didn’t have a chance to talk to anyone in person, but I wanted to say it made me realize that I really miss theatre. Whole being the show and watching the pieces come together you sometime don’t see how amazing the whole show is. Coming in without seeing the rehearsals or the set before hand was breathtaking. My grandmother came with me and said “it was top class” (imagine that in an English accent). Everything from the set to the voices to the costumes to the acting, everything was just brilliant. Can you please tell everyone that they did a really really good job? I made sure to watch different actors every chorus number and everyone was great. — AP
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance. Of course, the leads were marvelous, but so was everyone else! Everyone was acting to the very end and everyone was fun to watch. (And I do watch everyone. Don’t think that if you are standing in the back, the audience can’t see you. It can and it does!) Kudos to whoever trained you in English accents. What a good job you all did with that. Sometimes I hear stuff in other productions that makes my toes curl. And kudos to the set mastermind. The portrait scene was magical! And kudos to the translator who did a careful, faithful and poetic job.
But best of all, my parents loved it! My father came (discreetly) harrumphing, but left with a surprised grin on his face. He said, “Wow! This could have been a professional production!” He was impressed by the singing, the acting and by the fabulous sets. And even better, my mother loved it. Why is this even better? Because my parents are making aliyah this year after living in London for 30 years. My mother goes to the theatre about twice a week, and to the opera about once a month. The only thing that makes her sad about leaving London is missing all that. I couldn’t have timed this production of Ruddigore better if I had planned it myself. It came right when my parents are visiting, and after the show, my mom said “Well, at least we’ll be in Jerusalem where we can see Encore productions that are comparable to the productions I see in London.” I actually think that your show has made my mother less ambivalent about her aliyah. Hooray! — YG
I was at last night’s performance. Superb! The sets were magnificent, especially Act II. Wow!! The costumes, the voices, every detail. The choreography was delightful. I think you’ve outdone yourself with this performance. I’m sure G&S are smiling. — JB
I saw the performance last night and was utterly and completely enchanted. The story, although vintage G & S, had its own charm and everything was terrific. Every time I see your “creations” and they all have your special touch from the beautiful costumes to the addition of Yiddish. I find your abilities more and more amazing. Thank you for providing me with one of the most pleasant experiences I have had in a long time. You, all the players, support staff and everyone who had anything to do with this play are to be congratulated. — CS
Another Encore! production lives up to my pretty high expectations – the costumes, the scenery, the very fine – very, very fine – acting, the singing, the orchestra, and most of all, the way it all works together as a seamless and spectacular whole – I came away feeling I had received a real gift to all of my senses. — JK
I must tell you the show tonight blew me out. I expected a decent amateur performance. This was so professional it could be on Broadway or the equivalent in England. The voices, the acting, the costumes, the music, the quick recitation were tremendous. I was told you rehearsed for five months, and presented another show a half hour after the 5 pm one. Yasher Koach. – YC
I want to share with you the reaction of a friend of mine to the show. He is very smart and sensitive but not a theater person. In fact, he is generally not interested in the arts. I thought he came because of our friendship but he absolutely loved “every minute of the show.” He said that the show was a wonderful escape from our day to day reality. He called it extremely “refreshing.” He kept me on the phone for 20 minutes raving about every aspect. He also commented on the costumes, orchestra, and said that the translation was excellent (my friend is a native Hebrew speaker) and that we should publish a book of all of the translations. He said that he can’t believe how much effort goes into this and what amazing results we get. He said he called me because he felt a need to express gratitude: “when someone makes me so feel so good, I have to say ‘thank-you.'” He came as a favor to me but it is clear that he was completely enthralled by and appreciative of the production. We have a new loyal fan. — AP