 | Quirky Ambitious Too long Fun but disappointing Entertaining See it if You're up for a fine cast holding up a literate, well written if uneven but too-long script. Don’t see it if You're expecting a full-blown comedy or morality tale, or dislike modern dialogue and attitude in medieval dress. Strong, witty and surprisingly audible performances across the board from this solidly pro cast make the most of this wordy if literate script. Voices are casually projected with an ease and clarity that's rare these days, a relief to encounter. With her range and energy, Nichols somehow achieves an over-the-top performance without ego and without ever going over-the-top; O'Connell, terrific in the recent Happy Birthday, Wanda June, again brings a surfeit of wit and presence to his several roles here; and the ensemble, doubling or tripling roles, brings great individuality to each. In the end, though, Wulp's script ruminates much more than it declares, never quite finding its edge — or its point, for that matter. The mercurial Margery Kemp as written here never really changes. Vanity and self-regard intact, she never transforms, ends up where she started, having learned nothing except the value of good press, for posterity. |
Jason O’Connell and Andrus Nichols (foreground) with Micheal Genet, Timothy Doyle and Thomas Sommo Photo by Carol Rosegg
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