Striking a Blow for Women’s Rights

Nell Gwynn – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

 

A Cockney fruit seller, “pretty, witty Nell Gwynn,” as she was called by Samuel Pepys, sold oranges, sweets and her favors, up and down the aisles of the playhouse. Upon hearing Gwynn boldly heckling one of the actors, and due to her boundless spirit, her beauty, her strong, clear voice and droll sense of humor, actor Charles Hart lifted Nell from the aisles and put her on the stage. He coached and groomed her in the craft of acting until she eventually became adept in her art and rose to fame. Soon Nell Gwynn became the most popular female star of English Restoration Comedy.

By the time Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, all the London theatres had been closed for 18 years, by Puritan order. Celebrating the end of England’s strict rule, King Charles decreed that every theatre would not only be reopened but women could now be employed as actresses. Nell Gwynn soon caught the eye of the King and eventually became his newest mistress. Because of her rise in status and power, she evolved into a folk heroine and was considered the embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England. Ms Gwynn was one of the first to strike a blow for 17th century English women’s rights, and her rags-to-riches story turned her into a real-life Cinderella.

Known for her earlier hit play, “Blue Stockings,” as well as several literary adaptations, British playwright Jessica Swale achieved national fame for writing this historical comedy, with music. “Nell Gwynn” premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in 2015, transferring the following year to the West End, where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. The play is also rumored to be in development as a feature film.

Swale’s comedy features several notable, real-life people from mid-17th century London. They include both Nell’s younger sister, Rose, and her drunken mother, Old Ma Gwynn. While in the theatre we meet many members of the company, including resident playwright, John Dryden; the theatre’s stern, no-nonsense director, Thomas Killibrew; and Edward Kynaston, the male actor who’d achieved fame and success with the company for playing all the leading female roles. Within the court, we become well-acquainted with His Majesty, Charles II; his formidable chief minister, Lord Arlington; the King’s hotblooded, Spanish-born wife, Queen Catherine; the King’s current mistress, Lady Castlemaine, along with his new conquest, the French noblewoman Louise de Kerouaille.

This North American premiere is skillfully guided in Chicago by the play’s original English award-winning director, Christopher Luscombe. He’s easily swept the audience into the romantic world of Restoration England. Spiced with a combination of refined nuance and saucy detail, Luscombe provides a whimsical look at both the British monarchy and the London theatre, of that time period. The excellent portrayal of the titular character by Broadway and West End actress Scarlett Strallen is absolute perfection. Her portrayal of Nell Gwynn is pixie-like and lovable, while still providing moments of poignance and pathos. Ms. Strallen brings this iconic figure to life with robust relish and charm.

The supporting cast is brilliant, as well. Enjoyed in so many CST productions, as well as on almost every major Chicago stage, Timothy Edward Kane is properly majestic and very likable as Charles II. He injects sly moments of delight and naughty mirth into the monarch, making him more flesh-and-blood than might be expected. John Tufts, another familiar face at Chicago Shakes, is a patient and kindly tutor as Charles Hart. It’s easy to understand why Nell falls in love with him as he gently guides her toward becoming an actress.

 The always impressive Christopher Sheard is hilarious as resident playwright, John Dryden. Equally dynamic as the volatile Queen Catherine and the earthy brothel mistress, Old Ma Gwynn, Hollis Resnik is, as ever, flawlessly superb. Natalie West, a veteran of both the TV show, “Roseanne,” and countless Chicago theatrical productions, is priceless as Nancy, the theatre company’s wardrobe mistress. Deep-voiced Larry Yando once again gets to be crusty and conniving, here playing Lord Arlington. Lovely Emily Gardner Xu Hall does exquisite double-duty as both of the King’s mistresses, Lady Castlemaine and Louise de Kerouaille. And David Bedella makes his auspicious CST debut as Edward Kynaston, the actor who specializes in playing the company’s female roles, until Nell Gwynn appears.

This historically based comedy, with songs by Nigel Hess, is musically directed by Jermaine Hill and choreographed by Amber Mak. In addition to being an entertaining, educational spectacle for the eye and ear, the show marks an impressive opening for Chicago Shakespeare’s new season. While Jessica Swale’s book sometimes feels fragmented, the production is a romantic, visual treat. Thanks to Hugh Durrant’s glorious scenic and costume designs, with elaborate wigs, hair designs and makeup by Richard Jarvie, augmented by Greg Hofmann’s atmospheric lighting and a fine sound design, courtesy of Stephen Ptacek, this hilarious, feminist comedy is a bright, colorful kickoff to CST’s year.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

 

Presented September 20-November 4 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the Courtyard Theatre, at Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 312-595-5600 or by going to their website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.