Friday, May 30, 2008

What's the Trick In That?


Huzzahs to Jeffrey Hatcher's new play "Compleat Female Stage Beauty" about the real-life Edward Kynaston who, in the 1600s, was the leading actor who played female roles on the London stage (at a time when it was illegal for women to perform).

When Restoration-minded King Charles II declares only females shall play female roles, Kynaston finds himself professionally obsolete -- with revenge on his mind.

The large cast gives it their all in this fun show. And Shakespeare fans will enjoy the multi-reenactments of Desdemona's death scene from "Othello."

I had a particular affinity for the narrator, Mr. Pepys, a theater fan who writes obsessively about whatever show he sees with great glee in his "diary."

Celebrity Sighting: Spotted a hale and hearty Orson Bean in the audience Thursday night.
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