“Nell Gwynn”

Highly Recommended ***** When Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces plays other than works by “the Bard”, audiences take note! Know that whatever they bring to their stages will be unique and worthy of the trip to Navy Pier. This is very true of the current, North American premiere of Jessica Swale’s Award-winning comedy, “Nell Gwynn” that tells the tale of the mistress to King Charles II ( played in this sterling production by Timothy Edward Kane). In the title role is the delightful Scarlett Strallen, who is adorable in every way. Watching her work, one can understand all of her accolades from Broadway and The West End.

The story gets deep into Nell’s life, from orange seller (perhaps she was a prostitute before) to becoming the favorite actress (a woman playing a woman-a first) and then to becoming the favorite of King Charles II’s mistresses. This story is filled with music and dance and is a delight to watch. Sharply directed by Christopher Luscombe, with splendid choreography by Amber Mak, the 2 hours and 25 minutes (two acts with an intermission) moves quickly and with the cast assembled by CST, one can count this production as one you must see.

In addition to the glorious Strallen and incredible Kane, Emma Ladji as Nell’s sister Rose, the hysterical Natalie West as the very droll and comical Nancy ( her performance should get her a Jeff nomination), Emily Gardner Xu Hall and the always reliable Hollis Resnik as the other main female roles. In the male roles, the incredible David Bedella as Edward Kynaston who until Nell joins the company played all the women’s roles, Bret Tuomi, John Tufts as Charles Hart, the man who discovers Nell,Christopher Sheard, the always reliable Larry Yando, Richard David and  Jeff Diebold. The other male is Bentley ( an adorable Springer Spaniel) as Oliver Cromwell, the King’s precious pet. He does prove that kids and animals will steal their scenes. But he does so with grace and style!

Filling out this glorious cast are the ensemble members. As I always say, they may have small roles, but they are key to the entire production being complete: Allison Selby Cook, Richard David, Jeff Diebold, Justin LaForte, Nicholas J. Ober, Laura Osterlund, Emily Rohm, Dylan Obrochta and Carter Sherman. The music is handled by Nigel Hess, the glorious set and fantastic costumes by Hugh Durrant and the lighting by Greg Hoffman. Stephen Ptacek handles the sound ( there are  microphones, yet sitting in the last row, I heard every wonderful word spoken, as if they were non-existant. Great work on the sound. No thing detracts more than the sound of sound!). The dialect coach is Eva Breneman and the wig and make-up design was done by Richard Jarvie.

This is a love story filled with romance and political satire. There are some very pertinent lines relating to “Making Britain GREAT AGAIN” which drew thunderous response from the opening night audience. In fact, the opening night audience was filled with many of Chicago’s finest actors ( who are not in productions right now), directors and of course, the reviewers who seemingly had a marvelous time watching history unfold with this brilliant story, cast and crew. The only problem audiences will have with this production is that it will only be here through November 4th, with performances as follows:

Tickets range from$48- $88 and are available at the box office, by calling 312-595-5600 or onlne at http://www,chicagoshakes.com

ACCESS Shakespeare performances are:

open captioning  10/25 both at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

ASL Duo-Interpretation   10/26  at 7:30 p.m.

Audio Description  10/28 at 2 p.m. with touch tour at noon

For more info-www.chicagoshakes.com/nellgwynn

Discounted parking is available in the Navy Pier garage, but make sure you bring your ticket for validation at the theater lobby.

Public transportation will get you to Navy Pier with ease and there are many dining options on this Chicago treasure.

To see what others are saying

visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Nell Gwynn”

This is a MUST SEE Experience!