Theatre Review

Quirky ‘Marie Antoinette’ at Gamm

Don Fowler
Posted 5/7/15

Will the real Marie Antoinette please stand up?

The Sandra Feinstein Gamm’s production of David Adjmi’s “Marie Antoinette” is at times stunning, at times quirky, and at times disconnected, …

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Theatre Review

Quirky ‘Marie Antoinette’ at Gamm

Posted

Will the real Marie Antoinette please stand up?

The Sandra Feinstein Gamm’s production of David Adjmi’s “Marie Antoinette” is at times stunning, at times quirky, and at times disconnected, not the fault of Director Rachel Walshe or the fine cast, but of playwright Adjmi.

Adjmi creates a conflicted historical figure who is admittedly a bit of an airhead and gains little sympathy from the audience.

The year is 1776. We first meet the queen (Madeleine Lambert) enjoying tea and pastry, making small talk in her parlor. Marie is self-centered, opinionated and vulgar, tossing around the f-word and berating Louis XVI, her dumb wimp of a husband (Jed Hancock Brainerd).

She lives in her own world, while the French Revolution is gaining momentum outside her door. When reminded of the state of the poor, she blurts out her famous quote, “Let them eat cake!”

Marie longs for her native Austria, which she left at age 15 to become the Queen of France at age 19.

Marie continues to live the extravagant life while France moves closer and closer to anarchy. She flirts, but never seems to succumb to a dashing young officer (Tony Estrella in a rare supporting role, but perfect for the part). Marie even talks to a sheep (Alec Thibodeau) that appears to be a sounding board for her unpredictable, shallow philosophy.

Was Marie Antoinette misunderstood or was she just plain greedy, obsessed with power and oblivious to what was going on around her?

Years pass. Marie and her family are sent to prison. The absurdity and humor that fills the first hour of the 90-minute, one-act play turns a bit more serious. Marie engages in a long political and philosophical discussion with her sheep friend.

The revolutionists commit the final act of beheading Marie Antoinette, proclaiming, “No one will remember you.”

The program gives us a number of interesting facts about Marie Antoinette, while the playwright fractures some of that history.

Credit to veteran costume designer Marilyn Salvatore for her outlandish costumes and wigs and to Jessica Hill’s interesting set.

Madeleleine Lambert, who also played Anne Boleyn at Gamm, is excellent as Marie. The problem is that Adjmi has given her a character that is so conflicted and clueless that by the end of the play I couldn’t wait for the French to cut off her head.

“Marie Antoinette is at Gamm, 172 Exchange St. in Pawtucket, through May 31. Tickets are $41 and $49. Call 723-4266 for reservations.

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  • sistahspirit

    Chicago's Steppenwolf lead actress delivers.....- Alana Arenas. Shoe is overall. Spectacularly! Too bad she was not introduced in NYC production.

    Friday, May 8, 2015 Report this