Dotty Professors in Victorian England Court Trouble When a Female Explorer Brings a Tribesman from a Lost City to The Explorers Club in a MadCap Farce at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, VA-When Lucius Fretway (Michael Townsend), a handsome young botanist, puts up a pretty female explorer for membership in the exclusive all-men’s club, all hell breaks loose in this nifty farce. The old codgers in The Explorers Club whose past conquests and ongoing research are decidedly questionable, rail against the mere hint of a woman in their tony club. Biblical scholar and serial misogynist, Professor Sloane (Richard Fiske), calls her a “harlot” for violating her feminine station and the doddering adventurer Sir Harry Percy (John Henderson), who claims to have discovered the “East Pole”, agrees wholeheartedly, that is until the lovely Phyllida Spotte-Hume (Rachel Hubbard) arrives, and he begins to challenge Fretway for her attentions. Professor Cope (Ricardo Padilla), a herpetologist whose snake has a mind of its own, is determined to keep her out.
The indelibly charming and brilliant explorer, Phyllida, has recently returned from the discovery of the lost city of NaKong where she has discovered a tribe of feral natives. Naturally, she brings back one of the savages whom she fondly calls Luigi (Omar Quintero). He is totally blue, as in skin color, as opposed to his daffy disposition.
Phyllida has figured out how to tame Luigi by learning his language and recognizing that a common spoon represents his god. With this insight she plans to present him to Queen Victoria who has agreed to an audience – a fortuitous and equally absurd opportunity. You will love the puns and rapid-fire hilarity delivered by a crack cast who speak Brit Wit in upper crust British accents thanks to Co-Producer and Accent Coach, Carol Strachan.
Things go sideways (frequently!) as when the club receives Sir Bernard Humphries (Meghan Mohon), an emissary from the palace, to seek redress after a club member has slandered the Irish who send a well-armed contingent to destroy the club. To settle the naysayers, Luigi fills in as the club’s absentee barman serving drug-laced cigars and drinks which brings howls from the audience.
The period costumes by Michelle Harris are spot on as is a gob-smacking set design by Tom O’Reilly. Huge props to Hubbard, Quintero and Townsend who take things over the top.
Playwright Nell Benjamin (award-winning playwright of the musical Legally Blonde and lyricist for Mean Girls and Because of Winn Dixie) sets this corker in Victorian London when women were relegated to rearing children while highborn gentlemen spent their time and money garnering support for far-flung adventures while exploiting the natives.
With Hubbard also playing Countess Glamorgan and Michael Fisher as Beebe and Irish Assassin.
Directed by Adam Konowe; Co-Produced by Alan Wray; Lighting Design by Myke Taister; Sound Design and opening musical number composed by William Chrapcynski; Hair and Makeup by Robbie Snow.
Highly recommended!
Through September 21st at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For tickets and information call the box office at 703 683-0496 or visit www.TheLittleTheatre.com.
