Elizabeth Rex, the compelling production currently running at The Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is based upon two facts in England’s history: the beheading of Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, on February 26, 1601, for treason against the Crown (whose death was commanded by Queen Elizabeth I in spite of his being her rumored lover) and a royal command performance for Queen Elizabeth I by William Shakespeare and his company on the eve of Essex’s beheading. Using these two occurrences as his foundation, playwright Timothy Findley has woven a spirited and imaginative tale of the hours between the end of the evening’s command performance and the moments surrounding Essex’s beheading the following morning.
Throughout those hours, the lives of the Queen, Shakespeare, and his company of actors are intertwined in animated and emotional exchanges, none more so than those between the Queen and Ned Lowenscroft, the actor who plays the mature female roles in Shakespeare’s plays (portrayed by Steven Sutcliffe),.
Ironically, both the Queen and Lowenscroft are facing death brought about by betrayal. As Queen Elizabeth I faces the death of her presumed lover for treason against the Crown, Lowenscroft faces his own impending death from syphilis, given to him by one of the captains in the Queen’s army. With nothing to lose, Lowenscroft is emboldened to confront the Queen about her unwillingness to reveal the woman beneath the crown, and she, in turn, forces the actor who always portrays women to uncover his own strength as a man in facing his death.
Diane D’Aquila is simply riveting as Queen Elizabeth, and her performance alone is reason enough to attend the play (although certainly not the only reason). Portraying the queen as a woman who has had to submerge her femininity in order to successfully rule the country, D’Aquila conveys raw emotions and impassioned longings alongside the more queenly displays of control and command as Elizabeth I is torn between her desires as a woman and her duties as a ruler. You may find yourself on the edge of your seat on more than one occasion as you are drawn into the intensity of her performance.
Not to be outdone, Steven Sutcliffe gives a passionate and sympathetic performance as the queen’s sparring partner, Ned Lowenscroft. While his intensity is on a par with the queen's in their exchanges, he also movingly communicates the emotions of one facing a painful death while ultimately refusing to give in to bitterness.
Kevin Gudahl, as William Shakespeare, offers an understated and even-toned performance, which is a fitting balance for the emotional roller coaster of the Queen’s and Lowenscroft’s exchanges.
The evening's comedic relief is delivered by Mary Ann Thebus in a charming performance as Kate Tardwell (or Tardy).
This play is recommended to any adult looking for an evening of intelligent, thoughtful, engaging, and fascinating theater.
Directed by Barbara Gaines, founder of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Elizabeth Rex runs through January 22, 2012. Tickets are $44-$75 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 312-595-5600. Ticketholders also receive a 40% discount on parking at Navy Pier (have your parking ticket validated inside the theater).
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