David
	Ellenstein



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2001 Directing Review Quotes

LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT

April 2001
Renaissance Theatre Company at the San Diego Repertory Theatre

CRITICS CHOICE

"Director David Ellenstein's passion is everywhere evident, even as his hand remains invisibly entwined with that of the playwright, who scripted much of the action with precise, detailed notes. And the cast forms a compelling ensemble, building tension and meaning with every word and gesture."

Jennifer de Poyen
San Diego Union-Tribune

CRITICS PICK

"Directed by David Ellenstein with a fine feel for physical and emotional spaces..."

George Wienberg-Harter
Backstage West

"David Ellenstein directed this work. Flawless. Someone will have to show me a moment that didn't work."

Dale Morris
San Diego Theatre Scene

"Renaissance soars with 'LONG DAY'S JOURNEY'…well directed and beautifully staged….Director David Ellenstein keeps the actors stage business to a minimum…The pacing is ideal, never hurried but never slow. And the performances he draws from his actors are startlingly believable"

Pam Kragen
North County Times

"…great direction by David Ellenstein….not to be missed!"

Diana Saenger
La Jolla Light

"Director David Ellenstein has done a masterful job, and assembled an incomparable cast and magnificent design"

Pat Launer
KPBS – FM

"Staged by David Ellenstein, who moves his actors around the single set living room of the Tyrone country house as a symphony conductor blends the counterpoint of the orchestra, he leads the family's decent into purgatory with the mathematical precision of a Bach fugue."

Harvey Epstein
The Publication

HAMLET

July 2001
Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, Thousand Oaks

"Ellenstein's familiarity and keen insight into the mechanics of the play are evident not only in his lucid staging, but in his playful embellishments."

Phillip Brandes
Los Angeles Times

"Kingsmen does a noble job with Hamlet...the compelling tragedy retains its stirring moments in a swiftly moving production directed by David Ellensten.'

Rita Moran
Ventura County Star

ROMEO AND JULIET

September 2001
The Nevada Shakespeare Festival at Pipers Opera House

"...Mr. Ellenstein's production soars. The theatrical magic this gifted director bestowed upon his talented cast took hold and one of Shakespeare's best-known tragedies played out in a near seamless manner. The action moves fluently through the binding force of Ellenstein's direction. The pace never sags and the language neither tangles up nor pales from familiarity. All is fresh and touching."

Jack Neal
NPR Radio

"David Ellenstein moves his actors about the stage deftly, proving himself a capable director and excellent storyteller." Forrest Hartman
Reno Gazette-Journal

THE CHOSEN

November 2001
Arizona Jewish Theatre

"Ellenstein has drawn a spectacular performance from almost everyone in his cast. His blocking is invigorating, his vision of the piece precise. He has dared to take chances that work to devastating effect"

Mark S.P. Turvin
Arizona Theatre Online

"David Ellenstein's superb direction draws out great performances from an outstanding cast."

Max McQueen
Ari