Edward the King: out of the royal closet or sexual shenanigans in high places
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
Sexual shenanigans in high places. Intrigue. Vying for position. Either on the throne or coupled with someone unsuitable in the royal bedchamber. Specifically the bedchamber of Edward II – Prince Plantagenet and then King of England - 14th century. Or is it The Governor’s Mansion in New Jersey – 20th century?
Fact or fiction? Edward II – best remembered for his alleged homosexuality and supposed murder. All is dealt with in an intelligent, captivating and witty manner by playwright David Brendan Hopes in the first of a five play series which makes up GAYFEST 2008 at TBG Arts Center at 312 West 36th Street, New York, New York.
What an impressive start. If the other plays are as good as EDWARD THE KING – then the students of Harvey Milk High School which benefit 100% from the profits of GAYFEST’s fundraising efforts for this festival (to send them off to college with scholarships, to hopefully major in playwriting) all will be well in the Kingdom of Gay.
Ably directed by Sidney J. Burgoyne – who has a deft manner with his actors – drawing out emotions and nuances of character – EDWARD THE KING – satisfies on all levels. From the elaborate costumes (T. Michael Hall) and scenic design (Michael Hotopp) to the original music by James Bassi (“Come Live With Me” – words by Christopher Marlowe who also penned an opus on Edward) – EDWARD THE KING may have a long reign – post festival. Let’s hope so.
To be honest I didn’t know what to expect and I was quite surprised by the production. But really, I shouldn’t have worried. Two of the producers – Jack Batman and Bruce Robert Harris are the same two responsible for the terrific productions at The White Plains Performing Arts Center. They have come to New York and conquered.
We are in merry olde England – or I should say gay olde England as Prince Edward (a compassionate and extremely likable Chad Hoeppner) - is trying to escape from his overbearing father, Edward I. It is in an alleyway that the Prince meets his Pauper – Piers Gaveston - beautifully played by the gifted actor Brian Charles Rooney in a near pitch perfect performance. Piers is no peer of Edward and that is where the trouble starts. He is however, street smart, smells foul and immediately upon the Prince meeting Piers, the two fall hopelessly in lust - sniffing each other like two dogs in heat – the pure bred and the mutt – opening the forbidden door to eventual love. They are not naked. They should be. In this case it is warranted. But they are both so good it matters not. Use your imagination.
To complicate matters, Edward II is married to the scheming Isabella (an elegant, beautiful, amusing Megan McQuillan) who is having her own lustfest with her confidante Mortimer (an extremely effective Patrick Porter). Into this nest of cobras arrives The Bishop to negotiate for Isabella as to what is to be done with Piers. The Bishop is played by an extraordinary actress – Jo Ann Cunningham. She gives a stellar performance. All in all, it is one incredible cast in a play that is somewhat Shakespearian in tone and yet very modern – what with all the royal murders and desire from one and all to be on top and to win the game of courtly intrigue. In the end it is Edward III (Chad Hoeppner doubling as his own son) who neatly takes hold of the throne and the family jewels.
www.GAYFESTNYC.com
05-23-08
Screen Name (or blank if anonymous)
Real Name (never published)
Email (never published)
Website(optional)
TalkBack: What do you think?
Enter Code Shown below:
Comments:
|