As part of the Folger Library's most ambitious renovation in its history, the cozy theater space that I and so many others came to adore for it's intimacy in spite of its shortcomings, is no more. When next we make our way to that venue, it will have been transformed. And in the meantime, The Folger Theater is partnering with other DMV Theater companies and venues. For the excitement factor, this production at the cavernous National Building Museum was without a doubt the most anticipated. Originally scheduled for the summer of 1920, the Pandemic put the kibosh on that. That it is finally here is another sign that we are learning to live with Covid, even as rates of infection in the DMV are once again in the high zone.
Given all this time to prepare, I note how many of the cast members are new to the local theater scene with resume's that include many major regional companies not in our region. Places like La Jolla Playhouse, Yale Repertory, Seattle Repertory, The Goodman Theatre, Williamstown Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Guthrie Theatre, all the way to Broadway. Therefore, it was a chance to experience a lot a fresh faces and undiscovered talent. It was also a strong cast.
A mixed race cast with a decidedly Caucasian minority brought a level of novelty to the production that was exciting and no doubt contributed to the overall energy of the production. Also noted where the range of body types. I can't help but think that costume choices that played into this physical diversity weren't also intentional and I say well done!