Steppenwolf Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of MARIE ANTOINETTE.
This show starts like a techno fashion show. Two oversized video screens bookend a mirrored runway stage. Above the stage are oversized flowers. Everything about the visual is glam. Lights flash. Music blares. And the ladies arrive to strut the catwalk in 18th Century couture meets modern day Vogue. The aesthetic sets great expectations for a high-energy stylistic blowout. And the first scene unfolds like a Destiny’s Child reunion as Alana Arenas (Marie) complains to her gal pals, Tamberla Perry and Ericka Ratcliff, about her rough life being Queen of France. Even though the spectacle is dazzling, the excitement fizzles out quick.
In his portrayal of the infamous queen, Playwright David Adjimi relies heavily on the audience having a firm grasp of French history. The projections aid with year and location. We even got a cool virtual tour of Versailles before the show started. Yet, if the revolutionary figures are unfamiliar, the story becomes immediately confusing. Adjimi wants to keep it playful and focus on the queen’s celebrity status. He relishes in her public displays of entitlement that make her a target for hate crimes. It’s an interesting idea. And under the direction of Robert O’Hara, Arenas gives a spirited, spoiled and often hilarious portrayal of Marie Antoinette. And there are flickers of vulnerability as Arenas tries to explain that she was raised to be a bitch. She is a manufactured product. It’s a connectable idea but before we can garner a little empathy, Adjimi has a screaming Arenas back to her unlikable shrew ways.
The show is a flashy, slick designer showcase: Clint Ramos (Scenic), Dede M. Ayite (Costume), Japhy Weideman (Lighting), Lindsay Jones (Original Music and Sound), Jeff Sugg (Projection) and Dave Bova (Hair and Makeup). Unfortunately, the monarchy is overthrown in Act 1. The pageantry is pretty much over after that. Act 2 has to rely on the script which is missing information for it to be cohesive. This revolt is reduced down to a twitter stream of negativity to take down a celebrity. The story glosses over what’s really going on. Adjimi even creates a talking sheep to give perspective on morality and humanity. Come on! That’s just odd! #MarieAntoinettedeservesbetter
MARIE ANTOINETTE is definitely chic! It’s just without building a foundation of historical knowledge, the show is just pretty to look at without the substance to pull the audience in to the true royal-to-rags experience.
Running Time: One hour and fifty-five minutes includes an intermission
At Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted
Written by David Adjmi
Directed by Robert O’Hara
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 3pm and 7:30pm
Thru May 8th
Buy Tickets at www.steppenwolftheatre.org
Production photo by Michael Brosilow
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