We’re proud of the productions we do and are honored to be continually well received by area arts writers and critics. Here are some of the wonderful things that have been written about the company and our plays.
2008
| “ … Banyan Theater Company again makes it hard to wait until next summer for more exceptional plays and performances.” ~aislesay.com, 8/11/2008
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A Moon for the Misbegotten by Eugene O’Neill
“In the hands of the Banyan Theater Company and director Gil Lazier, this intimate show is exquisite …” ~Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 6/28/2008 |
True West by Sam Shepard
“ … one of the best plays I've seen in the last ten years” ~sarasotacritic.blogspot.com, 7/17/2008 |
The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl
“Douglas Jones' directing, coupled with a strong cast and beautifully written script, resulted in one of the most enjoyable evenings in theater this summer.” ~Venice Gondolier, 8/13/2008 |
The Unexpected Man by Yasmina Reza
~a special winter production at the Historic Asolo Theater~
[an] “intimate, intellectual exercise” ~Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 2/8/2008 |
2007
“If ever there were an actors’ theater as well as a literary one, it is The Banyan. The Banyan always gives audiences something to think about and to be happy to do so.” ~Aisle Say Florida, 7/2/2007
A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen
“This is the way to start a season … This is the kind of production that proves heavier drama can succeed in the warm summer months and makes you happy to welcome the Banyan back for another year.” ~Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 7/2/2007 |
Enigma Variations by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt
“As always in Banyan productions, the physical spectacle provided is abundantly satisfying.” ~Creative Loafing, 7/25/2007 |
Faith Healer by Brian Friel
“Friel’s gift for language and storytelling sets the right magic spell, aided by the passion of the actors for their roles.” ~Sarasota Magazine, 8/10/2007 |
2006
“My only regret about Banyan’s production [Life X 3] is that it’s the last by this summer theater company for this year...its hard to wait for a year for a new program...” ~www.totaltheatre.com, 8/11/2006
“This week sees the final premiere in the Banyan Theater Company’s three-show summer season…Now, of course we can’t tell how good a play is going to be ahead of time, but the Banyan should have earned your confidence by now.” ~Weekly Planet, 8/9/2006
Mrs. Warren’s Profession by George Bernard Shaw
“Thanks to the splendid Banyan cast, all the resonance of this story…reaches us with startling immediacy. I’ve seen productions of Shaw in England, Canada and the U.S., but I’ve seldom been as impressed as I was by this staging.” ~Weekly Planet, 7/5/2006
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The Retreat from Moscow by William Nicholson
“The first act…contains some of the most literate, searing, emotional theater I have witnessed in some time. Indeed, it’s difficult to describe the emotional impact...” ~Pelican Press, 7/27/2006
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Life X 3 by Yasmina Reza
“The production is the Banyan’s best in one of their best summers. Gil Lazier’s direction finds the right comic weightlessness. The actors are great…” ~Longboat Observer, 8/17/2006
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2005
“We’ll give you the bad news first. The Banyan Theater Company’s terrific fourth season is coming to an end.” ~Bradenton Herald, 8/18/2005
“Credit the Banyan Theater Company with enriching Sarasota’s long, hot summer with meaningful, substantive theater.” ~Pelican Press, 7/28/2005
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
“As always, the Banyan troupe delivers…first class acting.” ~Longboat Observer, 7/7/2005 |
Two Rooms by Lee Blessing
“This production has a perfect cast and setting…Banyan continues to gather laurels.” ~totaltheater.com, 7/23/2005 |
Sight Unseen by Donald Margulies
“There is not a single performance, moment or technical decision in the play that doesn’t ring true.” ~Bradenton Herald, 8/18/2005 |
2004
“A playwright couldn’t hope for a better vehicle to make word become flesh.” ~Longboat Observer, 6/17/04
“One of the best reasons for enduring the heat of a Sarasota summer is attending a Banyan Theater Company season.” ~totaltheatre.com, 6/24/04
Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov
“This ‘Vanya’ is well cast, moving and a strong addition to the summer scene.” ~Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 6/30/04
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Otherwise Engaged by Simon Gray
“Another winner for the Banyan, with a lacerating, invigorating evening of thought-provoking jocularity.” ~Bradenton Herald, 7/20/04
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Vincent in Brixton by Nicholas Wright
“…the acting is, in case after case, really splendid.” ~Weekly Planet, 7/11/04
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2003
“Jerry Finn…has managed to make summers worth living for Sarasota theatergoers…Banyan has borne sweet fruit for local audiences who may have a taste for something a little more challenging than tired revivals and musical comedy.” ~The Pelican Press, 2/13/2003
“A year-and-a-half ago there was no Banyan Theater – now it has already become one of the staples on the Sarasota scene. Area arts enthusiasts take note.” ~Weekly Planet, 5/28/2003
The Lion in Winter by James Goldman
“This production…has given notice not only that Banyan is here to stay, but that this talented company is setting standards by which serious theater in these parts must be measured.” ~SRQ Magazine, May/June 2003
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Sea Marks by Gardner McKay
“…a compelling evening of theater. Banyan…has the guts to go with a play that isn’t safe.” ~Longboat Observer, 4/24/2003
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Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen
“Every detail and feature of this glorious [production] have been touched with knowing and loving care.” ~Bradenton Herald, 6/27/03
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Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard
“Rough Crossing is Stoppard at his lightest and most buoyant, and Banyan Theater Company sets it sailing gleefully.” ~St. Petersburg Times, 7/24/04
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The Price by Arthur Miller
"The Price is a worthy ending to Banyan’s second summer season, and we year-rounders can taunt the snowbirds that they missed it.” ~Pelican Press, 8/14/03
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2002
“The hottest item on the Sarasota menu is the premiere of…the Banyan Theater Company.” ~Boca Beacon, 8/9/2002
“Sarasota’s Banyan Theater Company made a strong impression with its first production.” ~Tampa Tribune, “’02 Good,” 12/22/2002
“The year’s best theater news was…the arrival of companies that offer great promise for the future [including] the Banyan…” ~Sarasota Herald-Tribune, “Top 10,” 12/29/2002
Betrayal by Harold Pinter
Simply terrific: superbly staged, splendidly acted and featuring elegant sets and costumes.” ~Weekly Planet, 8/7/2002
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Don Juan in Hell by George Bernard Shaw
“Wowed us non-stop…Jerry Finn and his actors are to be PRAISED… for bringing us the finest summer productions in the history of Sarasota theater.” ~Scene Magazine, October 2002
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