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Center Stage with Pat Launer on KSDS JAZZ88
THEATER REVIEWS
“IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY” – San Diego Repertory Theatre
“CABARET” – Cygnet Theatre
“OR,” – Moxie Theatre
April 1, 2011
San Diego theaters wrapped up Women’s History Month with a triple-header of historical women. Or fictional women in factual situations that feature fluid sexuality and social liberation. Pick your country and century: 1660s England , 1880s America or 1930s Germany .
Kander and Ebb’s magnificent “Cabaret” is set in pre-war Berlin , a hotbed of debauchery on the cusp of the Nazi incursion. The title song is embodied in hedonistic nightclub singer Sally Bowles. But Cygnet Theatre artistic director Sean Murray ups the ante. In addition to his ambi -sexual chorus and couplings, he’s cast a woman, the luminous, charismatic Karson St. John , as the Emcee, who controls all the action.
This is Cygnet’s largest production to date, especially elaborate in musical accompaniment and costume design. The staging is inventive, the singing is lush and luscious. But as the proceedings lean more toward camp, they tamp down the menace and terror of the Nazi encroachment. Perhaps the Emcee’s mask at beginning and end provides a topical suggestion that, in the cries for social conservatism, the wolf may once again be at the door.
A door features prominently in Sarah Ruhl’s 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist, “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play.” A doctor’s wife hears paroxysmal moaning coming from her husband’s office, adjacent to the family parlor. It’s 1880, and Dr. Givings is using newly invented electricity for his satisfying treatment of female hysteria. His innovation actually dates back to the 2nd century, when genital touch was first used to cure hysteria. Though the play features numerous orgasmic outbursts, and the title is titillating to be sure, Ruhl is really exploring the seeds of feminism, as controlled and corseted Victorian women bond, connect and learn about their own bodies, finding that pleasure can be had with or without a man.
Under the direction of Sam Woodhouse , the San Diego Repertory Theatre production sharply and broadly underscores the comedy. The performances are uniformly excellent, the costumes are stunning, and the lobby exhibit of early 20th century vibrators is a real eye-opener.
For even older seeds of feminist thinking, we turn to the 17th century, and the life of Aphra Behn , the first professional female playwright. In “Or,” Liz Duffy Adams, whose plays are always punch-drunk on language, creates a deliciously farcical historical fantasy, in which Behn has dalliances with King Charles II and his celebrated consort, actress Nell Gwynne. Libertines all, they trade poetic witticisms, while Behn , a former spy for the King, is forced to conceal shady characters in her closet. All her visitors are played with hilarious malleability by David McBean and Jacque Wilke ; Jo Anne Glover anchors the piece delightfully as the ambitious and sensual Behn . Shana Wride directs with impeccable timing, and absolute irresistibility.
If fiery women and sexual explicitness don’t make you squirm, hie thee to a theater post-haste.
“In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play” runs through April 17 at the San Diego Repertory Theatre.
“Or,” plays through April 23 at Moxie Theatre near SDSU.
“Cabaret” continues through May 15 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town .
©2011 PAT LAUNER
