Studio 58’s production of ye olde Bard’s The Winter’s Tale is a brilliant combination of comedy and tragedy. In this production, the two opposite worlds of Sicilia and Bohemia are staged as Russia during the Cold War and Canada 16 years later in a very hippy 1975.

King Leontes (played by Mike Wasko) embodies jealousy and rage, when he suspects his wife Hermione (played by Melissa Dionisio) of being unfaithful. The story builds, as the Cold War did, on paranoia, fear and suspicion—and despite the objection of Leontes’ advisors, he takes drastic action towards his wife.

“There are Shakespeare’s characters in all of us” said Benjamin Elliot, reflecting on his own character, Atolycus, who we meet at the beginning of the second act. Atolycus is portrayed as a ukelele-playing con man who unknowingly helps bring about a resolution to Leontes problems, begun in Sicilia 16 years prior.

The second act is a breath of fresh air. The first act’s heavy dialogue and dense plot make way for comedy and non-stop laughter. I would like to note that Benjamin Elliot owes me a button, because I actually busted my jacket in hysterics.

Director Anita Rochon presents an ingenuous interpretation and a beautiful show. The transitions from scene to scene are captivating and include organic sound effects involving the entire cast, movement into the audience and a traditional Russian lullaby. The set, designed by Christopher David Guathier, was flexible enough to represent both locations  and also introduce interesting angles and perspectives. The strongest location on Gauthier’s stage is not center, which gave the actors a whole new arena to play in. Gauthier’s collaboration with the director and costume designer are evident is the flawless blending of colour schemes and the flow of seasons throughout the piece.

In the simplest form of criticism, would I see the show again? Yes, definitely.

The only thing I felt the show lacked was “bear.” The famous Shakespeare direction “Exit, pursued by a bear” comes to mind when thinking of The Winter’s Tale, and everyone wonders whether Shakespeare released a live bear on stage or had a man in costume run across the stage. I had a bubbling build-up in anticipation of how the bear would be portrayed and there was “bearly” a chance to see him. The build-up left me with a fever—and the only solution is more bear!

The Winter’s Tale runs until December 13 at Studio 58. Tickets run from $11 to $20.50, depending on the day of the week.