All's Well That Ends Well (NT Live)

It's a shame that New York hardly ever receives Shakespeare revivals as lush and lavish as the National Theatre of London's exquisite production of "All's Well That Ends Well," which is now being screened as a high definition live taping in movie theaters. (If you enjoyed Mark Lamos' revival of "Cymbeline" at Lincoln Center Theater two seasons ago, then you'll love this too.)

Unlike the NT's screening of "Phedre" over the summer, this one comes off with practically no technical problems. In fact, it's too bad that it won't be available commercially on DVD.

The taping deserved more press coverage. Alas, that didn't happen due to the fact that it premiered in New York during one of the busiest weeks of theater openings I've ever seen - and on top of the Broadway opening of "Hamlet," another acclaimed London production. And in comparison to "Phedre," this one didn't star Helen Mirren.

Marianne Elliot (director of the Broadway-bound musical hit "War Horse") has staged the show with the tone and texture of a gothic fairy tale. And given the strange mix of humor, romance and drama found in this so-called problem play, it actually does feel like a tale from the Brothers Grimm.

I admired many of the cast's character choices. George Rainsford, for instance, portrayed Bertram, who ruthlessly forces poor Helena to quest for his affection, as more immature and innocent than despicable. In the play's opening moment, he is seen playing with toys, just like a child. Perhaps he simply wasn't ready to understand Helena's real affection for him? Accordingly, the play can be viewed as his chance to finally grow up, beginning with his realization that Parolles is an idiot and ending with his realization of how terribly he has treated Helena - and how lucky he is to have her.

Clare Higgins is more warm than haughty as the Countess of Rossillion, which reinforces the bond between her and Helena. Michelle Terry, simply put, is commanding as a Helena, starting out with the vigor and fashion style of Little Red Riding Hood, and later growing up. The rest of the cast is also outstanding.

The final Manhattan screening will take place on Friday at 7 PM at the Skirball Center, 566 LaGuardia Pl. Tix are available at 212-352-3101. The NT Live series will continue next with "Nation" and "The Art of Habit."