Elizabeth Rex
Written by Timothy Findley
Directed by Barbara Gaines
Chicago Shakespeare, Navy Pier (map)
thru Jan 22 | tickets: $44-$75 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
Read entire review
‘Rex’ rocks
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre presents
Elizabeth Rex
Review by Lauren Whalen
A lot can happen in one night. As the hours wear on and the prospect of sleep grows dimmer, boundaries are crossed with abandon. But what happens when the sun rises and real life resumes? The late Timothy Findley’s cerebral play Elizabeth Rex explores the collision of two worlds on an endless night, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s daring production combines flawless technical elements and brilliant performances to create an unforgettable evening for all.
Known for her imaginative renditions of the Bard, Barbara Gaines adds another dazzling production to her sterling resume. With a sure hand, Gaines guides the audience into the mind and heart of an unforgettable monarch and is backed by a spectacular array of Chicago’s finest theatrical artists. Tony Award nominee Daniel Ostling’s stunning set design brings an old barn to thriving life, with nooks and crannies that beg to be explored by Shakespeare’s ambitious and energetic troupe. Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting is almost a character in itself, breathing joy and pain into already intense moments, particularly the end of Act I. Tammy Mader choreographs a delightful jig, Marianne S. Verhaven’s costumes make a young man comfortable in a full skirt and Melissa Veal deserves major kudos for the Queen’s elaborate wig, which comes to mean much more than yet another elaborate royal headpiece.
 
  |
Findley’s stirring and complex script – a fascinating exploration of gender politics, class warfare and artistic integrity – places near-impossible demands on the players who dare to execute it. It’s safe to say the playwright would not be disappointed in Chicago Shakespeare’s cast, particularly the three main roles of the Queen, Ned and Shakespeare. Diane D’Aquila, who originated the role of Queen Elizabeth I at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival premiere, is a revelation. Her demanding, tortured Elizabeth happily chugs ale and makes bawdy jokes one minute, heatedly debates her womanhood the next, all while struggling with the ultimate question: should she spare the life of her ex-lover by granting a pardon? Steven Sutcliffe’s Ned, with a bald head and open sores ravaging his body, matches the Queen barb for barb and radiates endless energy, palpable rage, and his own emotional torture caused by the man who got away. And veteran CST actor Kevin Gudahl brings a wry humor to Shakespeare, who observes it all and occasionally engages. Writers are funny creatures – often introverted to the point of detachment – and Gudahl accepts the challenge and delivers with gusto.
The art of acting is all-consuming, with a constant dichotomy of connection (absorbing the audience in a moment) and distance (you’re not really your character – or are you?). No wonder the Queen seeks out Shakespeare’s troupe: she’s ultimately connected to the nation as she controls everyone’s fate, yet literally no one can touch her without permission. When one gives everything – in politics, in love or in art – what is left? As the smart and all-around superb Elizabeth Rex proves, the answer can be found in one word: more.
Rating: ★★★★
Elizabeth Rex continues through January 22nd at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. (map). A complete performance schedule can be found here. Tickets are $44-$75, and are available by phone (312-595-5600) or online (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at chicagoshakes.com/rex. (Running time: 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes a 15-minute intermission)
All photos by Liz Lauren
