Intriguing ‘Morality Play’ at Gamm

Don Fowler
Posted 1/8/15

Shakespeare wrote the “The play’s the thing…” to catch the attention of a king, and also the audience.

Gamm Theatre’s artistic director, Tony Estrella, has taken the Bard’s advice, …

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Intriguing ‘Morality Play’ at Gamm

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Shakespeare wrote the “The play’s the thing…” to catch the attention of a king, and also the audience.

Gamm Theatre’s artistic director, Tony Estrella, has taken the Bard’s advice, adapting novelist Barry Unsworth’s historical fiction “Morality Play” for the stage. Working in collaboration with Director Tyler Dobrowski, the talented duo has created an intriguing morality play with production techniques reminiscent of the Adrian Hall/Trinity Rep era.

It is 1361 in not-so-merry old England. The Black Death is at the doorstep. A not-so-talented group of vagabond actors team up with a runaway young priest, performing religious plays at small villages.

When they arrive at the time of a scandalous murder, Martin (Tony Estrella), their leader, decides to break from tradition and create a play based on “current events,” something that has never been done in the early history of the theatre.

A deaf and dumb weaver’s daughter has been accused of killing a young boy and is set to be hanged. Martin sends his actors out to interview the townspeople, gathering evidence that may prove the girl’s innocence while pointing the finger at higher places.

Dobrowsky has completely reconfigured the theatre, constructing an “in the round” atmosphere with “balcony seating,” while the large cast move freely about in all directions. And it works!

It is fun to watch the untalented troupe perform their Bible-based plays, overacting with sweeping gestures and colorful masks and costumes. There’s a lot to absorb in this two-hour plus, two-act production that cleverly gives you an idea of how conditions were for actors back in the early days, when a bad play could result in banishment or even death.

The play is at times very busy but settles down to a surprise conclusion when the actors press for justice and truth in their murder investigation.

The large cast of 16 has many supporting actors playing more than one role. Richard Donelly first appears as a gravedigger, returns as an idiot beggar who sheds some light on the murder, and then changes character completely as the haughty King’s Justice. Richard Noble has the most costume changes, playing four roles.

There are two veteran women in key roles: Casey Seymour Kim as Margaret, a pivotal member of the troupe, and Jeanine Kane as the Innkeeper. Estrella is terrific as Martin Bell, proving once again his theatrical versatility.

“Morality Play” is not your usual production. It is funny; it is thought provoking; it is educational. And it is unique and intriguing. At the Sandra-Feinstein Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, through February 1. Tickets are $41 and $49. Call 723-4266 for reservations.

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