Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Burbage Theatre Company’s third show of their ninth season continues with “Edward II” by Christopher Marlowe. It’s their first show in 2020. Although it was written back in 1594, the show still has relevance today with Edward II who is a flawed leader at the helm of the country who gives favored positions to people who are not worthy or deserving of them. He also has many unsavory sexual escapades that his father and the nobility frowned upon. Edward I banishes Piers Gaveston to France to end his unnatural relationship between the man and his son. However upon the death of his father in 1307, Gaveston was welcomed back to England by Edward II. Edward bestows a high political title to him as governor of Ireland but rouses the wrath of the nobles because Gaveston was a commoner by birth. In the meantime, Edward married Isabel and they have a son who grows up to be Edward III. Mortimer who is the leader of the nobles rebels against the King’s shoddy treatment. Civil war ensues when Edward II decides to retaliate against the nobles. The play highlights the political machinations and power struggles of the past and how they influence all people whether they be Kings, nobles or common people. Director Jeff Church modernizes the casting by giving the theatre’s female actresses 15 of the 18 pivotal roles in the show reversing the tradition of the past when men were cast in female roles in Shakespeare and Marlowe’s time. He also obtains powerful performances from his talented cast and once again brings out the best in them.
Jeff starts the show off with a bang when he has Edward I swearing at and smacking his son in the face and then banishing Gaveston from England. The energy of the show never wavers from this gangbusters opening to an actual beheading with bloody results to close this splendid show. Most historical plays can be dry as dust but Jeff makes the show come alive in every single scene. The tragic flaws of leaders of England as well as this country continued for many years. Another example occurred in last century with Edward VIII in 1936. He gave up the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, the woman he loved who was also a commoner by birth and was twice divorced. Although other reasons for wanting him to abdicate from the throne by the politicians of the day included Edward’s admiration for Hitler. Leading this cast as Edward II is Gabrielle McCauley who delivers a tour-de-force performance. She runs the gamut of emotions in this role. From her anguish at losing her friend in banishment as well as her joyful reunion when Gaveston returns. Her meltdowns as well as her tantrums and arguments with the nobles are exquisite to watch. Gabrielle’s interactions with the whole cast is right on the money. Brava! The sword fights in the show are excellently executed by the cast.
The other 17 performers do a topnotch job in their roles. Catia does a dynamic job as Gaveston, the wronged character. She exults in her return to Edward II only to have it snatched away by three malcontent nobles, Mortimer, Warwick and Lancaster. Her kissing scenes with Gabrielle crackle with power when others look down on them. The jealousy of Edward’s wife, Isabel is another sticking point to their relationship. The queen enlists the three noblemen to help her take Edward down. Mortimer is excellently played by Alison Russo who oozes venom from her very being every time she lays eyes on Edward and Gaveston. The vile behavior is carried over to the treatment of Edward III who she wants as the puppet head of state while Mortimer is the power behind the throne.
Isabel is marvelously played by Valerie Westgate who continually tries to make amends with Edward but is thwarted time and time again. Her anger mounts as she enlists help in her quest for justice and power in England. Warwick and Lancaster are brilliantly played by Katie Preston and Steph Rodger. Their authoritative voices and line delivery of their belief in their cause is terrific. Allison Crews does a great job as Edward II’s brother whose belief in him wavers but during the course of the show, the adage blood is thicker than water comes through. A strong performance is also given by the young girl, Ari Kassabian as Edward III. When the young boy becomes the king, Mortimer tries to assert his power over him but when Mortimer has his uncle and father slain is when the boy explodes in anger and takes the reins of the government. He doles out the justice for his father, uncle and Gaveston, too. Kudos to the whole cast and crew on delivering an electrifying performance where the energy and power never lets up from start to finish. So for a marvelously acted and directed show, be sure to catch “Edward II” at Burbage Theatre Company.
EDWARD II (23 January to 16 February)
Burbage Theatre Company, 59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
1(401)484-0355 or www.burbagetheatre.org
