The Shakespeare Theater's current offering, "The Dog in the Manger," may be the funniest play you've never seen by a playwright you've never heard of. Written by Spanish playwright Lope de Vega (1562-1635), who claims to have written 1500 plays (hmmm, really?), "Dog" looks at the role honor played in society, particularly when it came to love between people from different social classes. In this story Diana, the Countess of Belflor, finds herself drawn to her secretary, Teodoro, whenever she discovers Teodoro romancing her lady-in-waiting, Marcela. Compared to the two wealthy aristocratic fools wooing her, Teodoro is indeed a catch. But Diana can't let herself fall for a commoner . . . or can she? The acting is wonderful all around, but I have to mention David Turner as Tristan, Teodoro's servant. Built like Dana Carvey, and with similar gifts of mimickry, Turner shines every time his misguided but clever Tristan is onstage. It was one of the funniest performances I've seen on stage in several years. As directed by Jonathan Munby of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the action clips along, especially in the second act when Tristan's scheming pays off. Enjoy it now. At the Lansburgh Theatre until March 29. (Tip - check Ticketplace for discount tickets - they had them for this week.)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Great fun at the Lansburgh
The Shakespeare Theater's current offering, "The Dog in the Manger," may be the funniest play you've never seen by a playwright you've never heard of. Written by Spanish playwright Lope de Vega (1562-1635), who claims to have written 1500 plays (hmmm, really?), "Dog" looks at the role honor played in society, particularly when it came to love between people from different social classes. In this story Diana, the Countess of Belflor, finds herself drawn to her secretary, Teodoro, whenever she discovers Teodoro romancing her lady-in-waiting, Marcela. Compared to the two wealthy aristocratic fools wooing her, Teodoro is indeed a catch. But Diana can't let herself fall for a commoner . . . or can she? The acting is wonderful all around, but I have to mention David Turner as Tristan, Teodoro's servant. Built like Dana Carvey, and with similar gifts of mimickry, Turner shines every time his misguided but clever Tristan is onstage. It was one of the funniest performances I've seen on stage in several years. As directed by Jonathan Munby of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the action clips along, especially in the second act when Tristan's scheming pays off. Enjoy it now. At the Lansburgh Theatre until March 29. (Tip - check Ticketplace for discount tickets - they had them for this week.)
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