The Whore of Sheridan Square

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 7:35pm

I saw "The Whore of Sheridan Square" at La Mama last night and it's one of the smartest, cleverest and funniest new plays I've seen this year.

The basic story framework is a parody of the film Sunset Boulevard, but the play has much more on its mind than that. Playwright Michael Baron (who also directs) uses that premise to tell the story of genius writer/director/actor Charles Ludlam who was a seminal and extremely influential artist in the 70s and 80s. He wrote 29 plays for his Ridiculous Theatre troupe before his tragic death at age 44 in 1987, many of which such as "The Mystery of Irma Vep," "Bluebeard" and "Galas" were highly acclaimed and are still frequently performed around the country. His unique brand of absurdism that was infused with a gay sensibility has influenced the likes of Charles Busch, Tony Kushner (there's a funny "Angels in America" reference at one point), Christopher Durang, Paul Rudnick and many other writers.

In this retelling of Sunset Boulevard, Joe (Harris Doran, best known for playing Claude in the Hair Actor's Fund Concert) is an out of work downtown playwright who, following being evicted from his apartment, stumbles upon the backyard garden of one Norma Charles (Eric McNaughton), who he recognizes as the great playwright whom he thought had perished in the great plagues of the 80s. He's invited into the home and is greeted by Norma's suspicious servant and handler Jane Evers (Ken Barnett, who is made up to look very much like one of the lead characters from "Irma Vep"). Following a costume change Norma enters and engages Joe to help write the text for a tribute Norma believes is being done for her at the Kennedy Center Honors. He agrees and begins to stay in Norma's home.

Baron uses many references to Ludlam's plays within the story and even features actors playing members of Ludlam's troupe (Black Eyed Susan, Lola Pasholinski and Ethyl Eichelberger here become Honeysuckle Rose, Lolatta Polasky, and Methyl Gassenberger). At one point the troupe does Norma's new play "Salami" which places the Salome story in a deli shop in Gary, Indiana.

It all very funny, but with a few serious undercurrents. The play also manages to be a critique of the current political climate we're in which makes it more difficult for artists to be dangerous or to take too many chances with their work (at the beginning of the play, Joe can't get any funding from the equivalent of the NEA because his work is deemed too risky and controversial). Baron makes a strong statement here for artists to continue to be bold and daring and make meaningful, thought-provoking art, as Ludlam did with his work.

Altogether this is a remarkable production which manages to capture the Ridiculous aesthetic (which is NOT easy to do) in the writing, direction and the acting. The performances were all outstanding, with special kudos to Doran (who bears an uncanny resemblance to the young Ludlam, although that's not who he's portraying in the show), McNaughton and Barnett (who has a complete mastery over Ludlam style). Special mention for the costumes as well (credited in the program to "The Ladies of Chesson Court").

Unfortunately, there are only two more performances of the show (tonight at 8 and tomorrow at 5:30 -- tickets $15), but if you can make it, I give it my highest recommendation.

Updated On: 7/2/05 at 07:35 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 10:26pm

God I wish I were in NYC-- this sounds so wonderful! Perhaps it will get produced again--

[Marquise]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 10:36pm

I know many whores from that area. Nice there finally getting some recognition.

In all seriousness, it sounds like a great show! Thank you for bringing great theatre to our attention Margo!

[dry2olives]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 10:43pm

I just came back (indirectly) from the matinee. My review won't be out until after the production is scheduled to close, but it will be just as enthusiastic as that of MargoChanning. The author/director, who seems quite young, really helped bring back memories of that wonderful downstairs theatre and the magic Mr. Ludlam and his cohorts created. If you can see it Sunday, I urge you to go. It's only $15

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 11:08pm

I spoke to my friend Nicky Pariso afterwards who curates the La Mama Club space and he said that Everett Quinton (Ludlam's longtime companion and frequent co-star), Black-Eyed Susan and Lola Pashalinski all saw the show last week and greatly enjoyed it.

I, too, miss that theatre and that wonderful troupe, and most especially Ludlam himself who was such a brilliant writer-performer. It's such a shame he's not better known to this generation of audiences and theatre artists, especially considering how great an influence he was on some of our most famous playwrights -- one wonders if Charles Busch would have even had a career without Ludlam (so much of his work is very much based on that aesthetic) and even Kushner has spoken how much of the humor in "Angels in America" is Ludlam-esque.

It's criminal how many great artists we lost to AIDS in the 80s and 90s, leaving the American theatre and all of the arts so much the poorer for it (incidentally, today is the 18th anniversary of the death of Michael Bennett). So sad and such a tragedy.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 11:45pm

Margo I Love you and your vast knowledge of Theatre and wonderful reviews and insight.
Does Harris appear in any state of undress?
is the last show Sunday at 5:30 or Monday?
I saw many of Ludlams's shows and would love to see this, but since i pull the curtain down on my matinee Sunday at 5:35 I won't be able to make it.

Updated On: 7/3/05 at 11:45 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 11:52pm

Now you know, I normally don't discuss such superficial matters, but, since you asked and it might help sell a few tickets.........

At one point when his character is going to bed, Doran strips down to just his boxers and socks. He also spends a good amount of time walking around in a tank top. And there's ample opportunity to see him up close and personal since a few scenes take place from the middle of the audience -- he was standing all of six inches from me on a couple of occasions.

OK, I hope that was enough superficial voyeurism - I feel dirty

The last show is tomorrow (Sunday) at 5:30. I wish I had seen it earlier in the run so that I could have given people more notice, but it's been a busy couple of weeks for me. I thought I had missed it altogether, but they got a nice write-up in the Times and nytheatre.com, so they extended it an extra week.

Check out the nytheatre.com review here:

http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/whore2029.htm

Updated On: 7/2/05 at 11:52 PM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/2/05 at 11:56pm

well since you don't usually notice or discuss such things,
I thank you and your detailed description.
Did u say 6 inches?
Now I need a shower.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:04am

It's funny, for some reason I always pictured Doran being taller. He's no more than 5'6" or 5'7" I don't think. That's not to say he's not attractive.........

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:09am

He is just adorable at any height
Did u say he's 5 foot and 6 inches?
or 5 ft 6 inches?
Have I said too much?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:14am

Can I Second Act This?
Is there a Second Act?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:21am

No second act. 90 minutes, no intermission. Mind you, La Mama has never been known for punctual curtain times (I think it started around 8:17 last night) so if you think you can get there by 5:50 or so, I'd give it a shot. The Club upstairs is not a typical theatre with rows of seats, but more like a nightclub with a big stage, with chairs and tables arranged somewhat haphazardly around the room and beer and wine being available at the bar in the back throughout the show. It's quintessential laid back downtown theatre and it's OK to get up in the middle of the show to go back a grab another beer if you want. If you're a few minutes late, you won't disturb the actors or anybody, so if you REALLY want to go, and think you can make it by 6, I'd say go for it (it's $15).

Updated On: 7/3/05 at 12:21 AM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:29am

as Usual Margo you are a Doll
and your info quite helpfull
I know La Mama quite well
and did my only one man Performance piece there in the 70's
I think it was the 70's
So the Cab ride from Times Square and the $15 ticket and Harris in Boxers has me right there.
and the beers too.
Thanks!!
and I remember exactly where I was when I heard Michael Bennet had died
and the tears i cried

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:41am

I've played the Club a couple of times too (including being part of a benefit show a few years ago where Black-Eyed Susan was on the bill -- such a lovely woman). LOVE that space.

I was wondering whether to start a thread about the anniversary of Bennett's death, but it's still so depressing. He was also just 44 like Ludlam (they were born less than a week apart and died less than two months apart). Both would only be 62 at this point had they lived -- still at the height of their powers. Imagine what these two genius, incredibly prolific artists could have accomplished in the last 20 years.

I love something that Donna McKechnie once said about Bennett. An interviewer once asked her whether Bennett would have been able to continue to be successful had he lived given the emergence of the British mega-musical in the late 80s and early 90s. She laughed and said "Ha, Michael would have eaten them for breakfast." I agree.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 1:12am

do the Bennet thing
Please
Breakfast no maybe brunch
the way the lighting Towers moved in Dreamgirls
is enough to place a new post
ah the days

[holden]

Posted: 7/3/05 at 12:24pm

I have to jump in and add a "me too" about this wonderful show. I don't think I can really add any detail about the show itself to what MargoChanning said so well, but I too must single out the gorgeous Harris Doran, who was just radiant in this show (he is such a star). That being said, the whole cast -- including Ken Barnett and Vanessa Hadary, who plays a number of very different roles incredibly well -- is incredibly talented and versatile.

As MargoChanning also mentioned, the seating, which is very downtown and very cool, lets you get very close to the action.

And the crowd is cool too. Need I mention that not a single cellphone went off?

I'm going back to the last show today. I can't wait. I hope to get to see it again somewhere in NYC soon.