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Power XIV
By Nick Dear
Directed by James Bohnen
Produced by Remy Bumppo think theatre
At Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N/ Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL
Call 773-871-3000, tickets $33 - $38.50
Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:30 PM
Running time is 2 hrs, 20 min with intermission
Through June 4, 2006
Power is a funny, seductive modern play in a historical setting
Remy Bumppo think theatre has found a terrific new play by the prolific British playwright Nick Dear. He specializes in re-imaging history as he finds deliciously wonderful historical figures and places them in plausible situations rich in satirical humor. Power XIV opened in London in 2003 and the current production at Victory Gardens is the US premiere.
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Set at the royal court of the young French king, Louis XIV (Steve Haggard) in 1661-- a landmark year in which the king becomes more powerful as he takes the day-to-day administration of France upon the death of his protector. The Queen Mother(Annabel Armour) is concerned but supportive of Louis. The finance minister, Fouquet, (David Darlow) is the flamboyant, charming and manipulate aristocrat who has amassed a fortune by running the French treasury and tax collections. When the young king decides to have an audit to see of the books are in order, Fouquet’s thievery becomes known. Colbert (Aaron Christensen) helps the king re-organize the French finances.
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Playwright Nick Dear has the French court in a mad pursuit of love, sexual encounters and rivalries while the king consolidates power. The decadence of the French court spills over in many funny references to accesses from wigs, colorful clothing to sexual rendezvous. From Gregory Anderson’s flaming gay brother of the king, Philippe to Fouquet obsession with young women to the kings openly courting Henriette (Krissy Shields), Philippe’s wife, Power unfolds as a brisk, smart play that depicts 17th Century politics while getting many laughs with its contemporary use of the F—word to create humor. The balance between over playing the French court in the old style (ala Moliere) and the use of modern sexual situations and excesses works to create a thoroughly engaging work.
David Darlow is the extravagant, overly charming Fouquetr and Steve Haggard, as the boy king, command this play with Gregory Anderson, as the swishy Philippe and Annabel Armour offer terrific supporting work. Power has the look of an old French farce but delivers a funny, sexy modern look at power and entitlement. Power has clever plots twists and fully developed characters that marks Dear as one talented storyteller.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed May 7, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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