Slings & Arrows

Slings & Arrows

Slings & Arrows was a true marvel -- a short-run series with punch, pathos, humor and drama. I'll admit -- as a "fanboy" I was attracted to Slings & Arrows primarily because I had enjoyed its star, Paul Gross, in the US television series Due South. Although he headlines S&A, this Canadian-made series is truly an ensemble effort. Gross plays a mentally unstable actor/director brought in to replace his former mentor when the latter dies while serving as artistic director of a corporate-sponsored Shakespearean festival. The series then focuses on Tennant's efforts to direct Shakespearean plays in an environment of corporate meddling, commercialization, and increasing audience apathy. The cast is peopled with many quirky charactes: the ghost of his mentor; the leading lady diva; the managing director and his corporate shark girlfriend; the young ingenue; the stagehands and supporting actors; and the critics and fans of the acting troupe's efforts. This series, produced for Canada's Movie Network channel, and also airing on the Sundance cable channel in the US was built in three distinct 6-episode seasons, with Gross' Geoffrey Tennant directing a different Shakespearean play in each season. The series, though extremely baudy and profane at times, is still a love affair with the world of staged theater, and anybody who enjoys going to plays, or recalls the heyday of acting in their high school stage productions should enjoy this tremendously. Excellent acting, marvelous writing and directing, and superb production values. This one is a real winner! Break a leg! -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ official Slings & Arrows web site from The Movie Network ] [ Detailed episode guide at epguides.com ]

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