By Kimberly Harper
In a move surprising absolutely no one, the Gamm has done it again. If you haven’t already heard, “King Elizabeth,” the last show of Gamm’s 2016-2017 season is the something to be celebrated. Tony Estrella has taken an archaic work, Frederich Schiller’s 19th Century “Mary Stuart,” adapted it, and given the historical tale of two royal rivals new meaning.
A really quick history lesson: Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, were cousins. Elizabeth is the Queen of England, and when the Scots kick Mary off the throne, she goes to her cousin for help. But instead of getting assistance, Mary winds up in jail. Half of the subjects want Mary to live, half are calling for her head on a platter. Elizabeth is torn between societal expectations of her as both a ruler and a woman. Her advisors are in agreement that there is no easy answer – if she does what a monarch would do and has Mary killed, she will be seen as unwomanly. If she lets her live, she’ll be seen as a weak ruler.
Gamm favorites Marianna Bassham and Jeanine Kane play Mary and Elizabeth, respectively. They are a formidable pairing. Bassham weeps and collapses on stage with regularity, but finds her strength against Kane during a (historically inaccurate but very powerful) meeting. She’s willing to plead for her life, but only to a point. Kane is a clearly conflicted leader. She allows us to see moments of doubt when dealing with Bassham, but in the end, stands firm. “I am my father’s daughter, and I am a king!” she bellows before a cowering Bassham. Wenderly Overly as Mary’s childhood nurse also gives a good performance, emotional but strong, light on the hysteria.
The language has been somewhat updated and the costumes, done by Amanda Downing Carney, are modern, allowing the play to straddle to very different time periods, and ultimately reminding us that despite the centuries, people really don’t change much. The story is slow at times but engaging, and the impeccable acting keeps you riveted until the last moment. Even if you’re not big on history, you’ll leave impressed, and wanting to know more.
“King Elizabeth” runs through May 28 at the Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. Tickets may be obtained at the box office or online at www.gammtheatre.org
