Randuwa II: Constellation Theatre: Orlando

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Constellation Theatre: Orlando

"Orlando" by Virginia Woolf adapted by Sarah Ruhl (a new adaptation) is a frolicking romp. It transpires over the course of 5 centuries and genders bend like wild reeds (extra points for catching that reference). Unlike any play I can recall seeing recently, this one was entirely done in narrative. Even what might pass as dialogue, was part of the narrative delivered by the title character, and a chorus of four who assumed various other personas. The narrative was witty, but then again--Virginia Woolf gave it life, so what else would you expect? The action was rapid fire and as flamboyant as the costumes and set.

Usually, when I go to Constellation Theatre what I discover bears very little resemblance to what I've seen before. Occupying a hollowed out a 150 year-old, it is a tabula rasa for design and the design includes the seating arrangement as well. However, this production bore a striking resemblance to the final production of the previous season "The School For Lies." Definitely the gaudy colors, a chaise, and a couple of potted plants! Although the scenic designer was new to Constellation. Sarah Beth Hall captured the frenetic, fantastical aspects of the play.

At costume design, Kitt Crecenzo created androgynistic outfits for the chorus with steam-punk under-garment vibes that were easy to transform with over-wear. For Orlando, she started the journey with a red Little Lord Fauntleroy look and then on to gowns which grew increasingly less gaudy with the passage of the centuries.

To the cast it was clear that everyone was have a good time, and why not? The roles were filled with campy, at times intense, banter. Each member of the chorus was also assigned at least one other major supporting character, and this is when they really came to life. Perhaps the most fun was had by Alan Naylor who got to channel the queen mother to enormous flourish. Edmee-Marie Faal's incarnation of the Russia Princess Sasha, but every moment enchanting. Arika Thames gender flopping portrayal of Archduchess Harriet of Romania/Archduke Harry of Romania was filled with like yet competing energies.

Finally, riding high on top of the entire concoction was Mary Myers' performance as Orlando. She never left the stage and never lost her mojo. It was a wonder to watch unfold in layers of excitement and revelation. Even in moments of confusion and disappointment as Orlando, she never lost the focus, never let the driver's seat on this bus ride of wonders: a buckle-your-seatbelts, take no prisoners, wild adventure!