The reviews are in for Open Eye's 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'

Posted at 3:49 PM on February 22, 2012 by Marianne Combs (0 Comments)
Filed under: Criticism, Theater

Do you remember that Disney movie "The Sorcerer's Apprentice?" The one with the dancing brooms that get out of hand?

Well at least one critic suggests you forget you ever saw it, and instead walk into Open Eye Figure Theatre with an open mind to see puppeteer Michael Sommers' brand new version of the story. And all three reviews I found strongly recommend you see this puppet show.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice runs through March 4; scroll down to read excerpts of reviews, or click on the links to read them in full.

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" on stage at Open Eye Figure Theatre
Photo by Larry Lamb
Copyright :2011 Lamb.com

From Ed Huyck at City Pages:

You can take your multimillion-dollar CGI effects, I'll take good old-fashioned low-tech tricks. Employing some of the oldest techniques in theater--there is even a short shadow-puppet sequence--Michael Sommers and a team of talented puppeteers make magic happen during this one-hour world premiere.

From Graydon Royce at the Star Tribune:

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice," which opened last weekend at Open Eye Figure Theatre, bears Sommers' signature old-European patina: intense craftsmanship, a sense of mystery and comprehensive artistry. His eye for detail is unerring, and one always gets the idea he has tumbled the whole show around in his soul many times before giving life to it on stage. His sweat and joy are evident.

From Jay Gabler at TCDailyPlanet:

...it's best to brush aside all your expectations and approach this show on its own terms. Puppetmaster Sommers is one of the great creative geniuses working in Minnesota today, and this is his first full-length original work of puppetry since 2007's A Prelude to Faust. If you care about the performing arts at all, you should definitely see it. ...Sit as close as possible, so you can appreciate the detail of this production.

Have you seen Open Eye's version of "The Sorcerer's Apprentice?" If so, what did you think?

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