Theatre 29’s “FORTRESSED” a delightful blend of medieval madness
A village in riot, leadership ill equipped to understand (let alone resolve) the root issue and external threats surfacing from all directions. Sound familiar?
In 1994, playwright Sharianne Greer cut her teeth on her debut play, “Fortressed” at The Melrose Theatre in Los Angeles. Under the shadow of the 1992 Watts riots, the “absurd comedy farce,” currently under revival at Theatre 29, did not hit it out of the park when it debuted, according to the author. In a news report, she was credited with saying, “Though I was an experienced actress, I was a novice playwright and thought it best to follow the common wisdom of having someone else direct the work. It went ok, we got good reviews, but for me the comic tone was off, and it felt like a missed opportunity. I threw the play in a box and went on to other things. Restaging “FORTRESSED” here at Theatre 29 has been such a blessing. I am finally seeing the show as I intended”. This spirited rendition, which blends absurdity with satire, captivates audiences with its comic farce set against a backdrop of medieval misadventures.
“Fortressed” transports its audience to the mythical village of Bromleyshire, a place teetering on the brink of chaos. Lord Bromley and Lady Magdelena, portrayed by Michael D. Simpson and Rebecca Osier, respectively, are at the helm of this unraveling community. As famine and frustration fuel the villagers’ unrest, Bromley’s misguided leadership becomes a focal point for both comedy and catastrophe. Greer skillfully crafts a narrative that is both a humorous exploration of power and an insightful critique of leadership in crisis.
The cast of “Fortressed” delivers performances that are both engaging goofy and endearing quixotic. Michael D. Simpson embraces the role of Lord Bromley with a delightful blend of arrogance and obliviousness. His portrayal of the overbearing and clueless nobleman is both comical and poignant, as he struggles to navigate the complexities of leadership and failing miserably.
Rebecca Osier’s portrayal of Lady Magdelena is equally compelling. Her character, heavily pregnant and desperately seeking solutions that don’t require too much effort, is brought to life with a mixture of wit and urgency. Osier’s ability to balance humor with the underlying tension of her situation elevates the narrative, making Lady Magdelena a sympathetic and formidable force.
Anna LaCazio, making her stage debut as Kate, the Magdalena’s maid and confidante, brings a fresh energy to the production. Her character offers a grounded perspective amidst the absurdity, providing both comedic relief and insightful commentary on the unfolding events.
Stormie Ingram as Charity, the eccentric witch-adjacent figure, adds an element of unpredictability to the play. Ingram’s performance is both whimsical and intense, as she embraces the character’s quirky nature with vigor.
J. T. Eberhard’s portrayal of the conniving Marshall is nuanced and compelling. His character’s manipulation of the situation adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the darker undertones of the story. His portrayal, in this reviewer’s opinion, made the most of the farcical nature of the work.
Kevin A. Hayles as the sinister Duke provided a stark contrast to the comedic chaos of Bromleyshire. His presence on stage is commanding and chilling, effectively portraying the external threat that looms over the village.
Sharianne Greer’s dual role as director and set designer showcases her multifaceted talent. Her direction ensures that the farcical elements of the play are both sharp and cohesive, while her set design transports the audience to a medieval world that is both authentic and imaginative. The intricate details of the set, including a balcony from which the nobility can view the chaos in the village below as if it were entertainment, enhance the storytelling and immerse the audience in the world of Bromleyshire.
Nena Jimenez and Lisa Hodgson technical design complements the production beautifully. Their work in lighting and sound design adds an atmospheric layer to the performance, enhancing both the comedic and dramatic moments with precision.
Costume designer Edith Armstrong’s medieval costumes are a visual feast. The painstaking attention to detail in each garment reflects the societal hierarchies and personalities of the characters, further enriching the visual narrative.
While “Fortressed” is undeniably an absurd comic farce, it also resonates with contemporary audiences through its exploration of leadership and accountability. The play’s satirical lens offers a critique of leaders who are ill-equipped to address the root causes of societal unrest, a theme that is as relevant today as it was three decades ago.
The production is a delightful blend of humor and insight, offering an evening of entertainment that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. “Fortressed” is running Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00pm, and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. through June 28 Tickets can be purchased at www.theatre29.org or by calling (760) 361-4151.
The production plays at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms.
