In 1660, England’s
Puritan ban on theater was lifted, and this 1675 sex romp by William Wycherley is
perhaps the bawdiest of Restoration comedies. A satirical farce, the name of
the hero, Horner, is appropriate for a horny guy who revels in putting horns on
his male friends by openly seducing their wives. Even the title is a pun! Horner
claims to be impotent so that husbands and guardians will suppose him a safe
companion for their women. His ruse fools the men of London ensuring Horner his
way with any and every woman, especially the beautiful, naïve and newly married
girl from the country, Margery.
Even though we are
outdoors we don’t miss a word, as the excellent cast hit just the right vocal
and physical pitch. Michael Hovance as Horner is an elegant rascal; Rebecca
Lincoln as the Country Wife is a delightful minx; Alexander Wells pompously
funny as her jealous husband; while Mel Green is hilarious as a dopey fiancé to
beautiful Lonnie Silverman who only has eyes for sweet talking Daniel Olson.
Rounding out this terrific ensemble are Jean Gilpin, James Loren, Kathy Bell
Denton, Donald Wayne, Christina Jacquelyn Calph and Virtic Emil Brown.
Director Suzanne
Hunt superbly highlights the sense of fun amid these blatant sexual shenanigans.
Dazzling costumes by Tammie
Merheb-Chavez, and wigs/make-up by Scott Ramp.
Presented by the City of West Hollywood and the Classical
Theatre Lab at Kings Road Park, 1000 N Kings Road, WeHo, Sat & Sun at 3 pm through
Oct 23. Free Admission but donations accepted. Reservations: 323-960-5691 or classicaltheatrelab@gmail.com.
Don’t miss it!
Photos by Garth Pillsbury
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