The Fourth Walsh

Babes with Blades presents the World Premiere of “yo ho.”

Mark is a military man kidnapped by pirates. Onboard the ship, sparks fly when Mark meets Andy, Calico Jack’s second in command. Whether they are mopping the deck or fending off the British, the duo flirt with the fearless swagger of buccaneers destined to be caught. Despite the fact Captain Jack encourages his men to get their frolic on with each other, Andy is both first mate, Jack’s lover and a woman.   

Playwright SMJ debuts a play based on the real life of two women pirates, Mary Read and Anne Bonny. The story unfolds as the British Government and the Church work to rid the Bahamas of high-seas hooligans. Although at the core of the story is a love triangle, SMJ ambitiously weaves in religious orations, authoritarian proclamations, erotic pleasures, identification affirmation, female oppression, and Jenga. The play is so determined to say everything that it struggles to say anything clearly. The robust telling is accompanied by a killer soundtrack. Although the upbeat vibe provides a playful transition for the excessive scene changes, the true narrative gets lost in all the extra details.

Director JD Caudill impressively orchestrates a small yet mighty five-person ensemble. Brittani Yawn is a particular standout playing saucy wench, stern governor, and randy buccaneer. The energetic Yawn and William Delforge continually exit the stage only to quickly reenter as a different character. In one hilarious scene, a prayer becomes an irreverent aphrodisiac. “yo ho” walks the line between drama and comedy. It starts out with an intense hostage abduction yet quickly veers into campy with the entrance of a flashy Stef Brundage (Jack) bringing the bombastic.

The play could be categorized as a tragicomedy particularly in the relationship between a guarded Sierra Bryn (Mary) and roguish Rachel Sleek-Bañuelos (Anne). They each brood over dark, deadly secrets while pursuing their own paths and a steamy mutual attraction. In their downtime, they like to play scrabble and fend off attackers.   

What would a Babes with Blades show be without their signature dueling? “yo ho.” gives Fight Director Carly Belle “CB” Cason plenty of opportunity to wield swords as the British continually attack the pirates. Nod out to Costume Designer Jennifer Mohr for cleverly using numbers to show multiple soldiers. Although Babes’ swashbuckling and a committed cast support this show’s production, “yo ho” gets bogged down in the storytelling. Trimming the sails would make for a smoother ride.     

Running Time: 2 hours and fifteen minutes includes an intermission

The Edge Off-Broadway Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa

Written by SMJ

Directed by JD Caudill

Fight Choreography by Carly Belle “CB” Cason

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8pm

Sundays at 3pm

Thru August 29

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Tom McGrath/TCMcG Photography

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