By Richard Pacheco
The Gamm
Theater presents a vivid and entrancing production of the U.S. Premiere of
British playwright Howard Brenton’s ”Anne Boleyn.” This play shimmers with
political intrigue and deception. In this play, the ends to justify the means.
The Gamm last presented one of Brenton’s plays, “Paul” in 2011. This play is an
often funny take on Henry VIII’s uppity and politically manipulative wife, Anne
Boleyn.
While some
might find this romp in Tudor history long winded and difficult at a two hour
plus production, it is usually full of political intrigue and some funny
moments. Those who love English history or are aficionados of various British
programs like “The Tudors” will be entranced.
Playwright
Brenton is little known here in America.
In his homeland of England
he is known for his satirical, provocative and often scathing indictments of
sacred cows. This play presents Anne Boelyn as a conniving, religious minded
and determined woman. She is often uppity and not very likeable. In the play he
speculates that Boleyn gains further fire to end Henry VIII’s marriage to
Catherine of Aragon. Her imagined meetings with Protestant leader William
Tyndale add fuel to the fire. It inevitably leads to the separation of England
from the Catholic Pope and the Church of England becoming a Protestant church.
The play also adds James I, the only son of Mary Queen of Scots, into the mix
as he speculates and looks back on Anne’s life.
It is a
strong cast which propels this play forward. There is a rich sense of time and
politics that is impressive and appealing.
Madeleine Lambert shines in her
Gamm Theatre debut as Anne. She is energetic, acerbic, taut and tart in her
attitude and language. Anne knows what she wants and is willing to go to any
extreme to achieve it. Anne boldly teases Henry, but does not allow him any sex
for years. Anne wants to be queen, not mere mistress. It is a winning
performance of a not always very likable character. Anne has dark motivations
and a condescending attitude towards others. Yet Ms. Lambert also manages to
show another, more playful side that is more entrancing and endearing.
Steve Kidd is a delight as Henry
VIII. Kidd convincingly conveys the king’s dilemma. He is caught in his quest
for a male heir. Should he succumb to his lust for Anne in the hopes of a male
heir? Or should he maintain his loyalty towards his wife Catherine? It leaves
him in an ethical dilemma. Henry wriggles and squirms in a true test of
conscience in the face of overwhelming lust. Henry is robust and self assured
as king, less so as a man in the face of a resolute and stubborn Anne who resists
his sexual advances,
Jim O’Brien is smooth and poised as
Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell is a superlative politician always lurking behind the
scene, ready to changes horses in mid stream if it suits his purpose best. Cromwell
is a superlative political manipulator always eager to advance his own position
at anyone else’s expense.
Tom Gleadow is balanced and
effective as Cardinal Wolsey. Wolsey is more politician than true cleric and
connives with relentless efficiency. In the other roles he plays, he is
balanced and on target.
Joe Short who is Tyndale and James
I cohort, George Villiers is efficient and bright in the roles. He handles
Tyndale with a religious fervor and cold personal distance that is effective.
He handles the George role with flair and some foppishness as befits the character.
One of the great delights in this
production is artistic director Tony Estrella as the eccentric and flamboyant
James I. He has an excellent Scottish accent. He delivers and wild and wooly
comic performance that is pure delight. James
I is a ribald and eccentric king willful and self indulgent. It is a real gem
of a performance, both vivid and fun.
Sam Babbit is wonderful as Robert
Cecil, an advisor to James I. Cecil is an experienced man who knows his way
around politics and how to make the most of any situation. He tolerates the often madcap behavior of his
king with patience and common sense.
The rest of the large cast is
effective and efficient. There is much texture and background details to this
play. It springs vividly to life. It reveals the darker side of politics and
the degree to which some will go to accomplish their political goals ignoring
the growing casualties along the way.
Director Rachel Walshe handles it
all with a keen eye and firm hand. She keeps the pacing up, even though the
nature of the play can sometimes be slow. She moves her cast with finesse and
elegance without losing track of emotional impact.
Jessica Hill’s set is simple and
effective. David T. Howard costume designs
are elegant and faithful to the period.
They have
extended the run through Feb. 24. Tickets are $36 and $45, depending on the day
and time. For tickets, call the box office at 401-723-4266 or gammtheatre.org
.org
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