The
character of Don Juan was first created in 1630 (14 years after Shakespeare
died), by noted Spanish playwright Tirso de Molina, as a tragic drama about a libertine
dancing arrogantly on the pathway to Hell. Now the Classical Theatre Lab have
managed to transform what was then a grim tale into a totally hilarious farce
that speaks loudly to our #me too
times.
Adapted by British playwright Nick Dear, this tale of a notorious cad getting his come-uppance is a total delight. In an outdoor shady garden, Carlo Figlio as Don Juan heads a superb cast of proud royals (Stuart W. Howard, Alexander Wells, Cesar Di Bello, Vertic Emil Brown, Ian Waters), sullied maidens (Erin Fitzgerald, Michael Sturgis, Carolyn Crotty), and saucy attendees (Christina Conte, Nico Madden).
Plaudits to director Suzanne Hunt for capturing the exact
tone of merriment while making sure, even in the outdoor setting, every word
and gesture resonated clearly. Elegant costumes by Susan Deeley-Wells, and
daring swordplay by choreographer William Hickman. 
Presented by City of West
Hollywood & Classical Theatre Lab for five weekends outdoors at Kings Road
Park, 1000 N. Kings Road, WEHO. Info: (323) 960-5691 or email classicaltheatrelab@gmail.com