"It's a terrific hour-long version by one person with nothing else -- just great storytelling. It floored me. I like classical things, but this was also alive and contemporary. Charlie made the story mean something to us today. As soon as I saw it, I got him (to come to Cincinnati)." – Michael Haney, Associate Artistic Director, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

“Theater doesn't get much more storied than this: Storytellers have been retelling the adventures of the son of Scyld for more than a millennium. Charlie Bethel's version is about as rip-roaring a good adventure as one can imagine, focusing on the graphic details, which can be quite gory indeed.

This is the tale of Grendel, a beast who, when feeling a bit peckish for Danish, feeds on 30 Vikings, leaving their dashed brains behind. Bethel's telling is filled with good humor: He delivers Beowulf's dialogue with an absurdly slapdash bravado and lingers lovingly on every ghastly detail as sword rends flesh, sinew, and bone.” --Max Sparber, CityPages

“Although he was only one, it was like watching an entire kingdom of characters. How he does this, I still do not know. Bethel's passion, authenticity, and profound awareness of his mission as an artist is what separates the performers from the hams.

Bethel reminds us of the origin of art, that quality entertainment was called upon to amuse, educate, entertain, and bring community together. He reminds us that we all have our personal "Beowulf" and that we ought to meet him before it's too late.

Clearly, Beowulf was my favorite show, which should indicate the type of "critic" I am and what I consider meaningful and fulfilling theater.” – Roxanne Sadovsky, Aisle Say, Twin Cities


“…a magical night of theater.” - Rick Pender, City Beat

“…a classic re-imagining…beautifully interpreted and wildly vivid…simply breathtaking!” - John Townsend, Lavender Magazine

“…a timeless and timely tale of terror.” - Kathy Graves, Southwest Journal

“…an outstanding, spellbinding production that’s simply not to be missed!” - Steven LaVigne, Purple Circuit

“…hip, interesting and important.” - Nick Dobbins, Minnesota Daily

“…a bold and colorful narrative [which] Bethel delivers masterfully.” - Bob Schwarz, Charleston Gazette