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In this delightful Jeffrey
Hatcher masterpiece full of humor and lust, Ben Rovner simply dazzles the stage
as Edward Kynaston with his excruciatingly adorable charm and  transparent
vulnerability. As women were not allowed
to act in the 17th century, all eyes were on Kynaston, the coveted
male actor who played leading Shakespearean female roles such as Ophelia,
Cleopatra, and most recently, the tragic Desdemona. Quirky, light on his toes, and dramatically
alluring, he naturally captivated the London audiences with his boyish grin and
impeccable lady-like gestures. Amidst a
passionate, secret love affair with the handsome Duke of Buckingham, played by
Josef Bette, and ladies of the town fawning over his “manhood” (fondling
required to ensure his gender, of course) – Kynaston appeared to have it
all. That is, until Margaret Hughes
(Natalie Hope MacMillan) claimed the stage as Desdemona at a neighboring
theater-- catalyst to a drastic societal and legal shift in 1661. Kynaston’s perfect world is then turned
upside down with the sudden loss of stardom and painfully-blurred
sexuality. More woman than man, he
inevitably enters an agonizing journey in search of true identity, sense of
self, and life purpose.
Swirling with milky-white cleavage and crimson-burgundy
fabric luxuriously adorning the royal palaces, the on-stage chemistry proves to
be riveting and unforgettable. Michelle Page hypnotizes us in her role as Nell
Gwynn, poised mistress of King Charles II, commanding sheer reverence and
respect with her vibrant personality, dancing eyes, and charismatic antics. With
the lofty flitter-flutter of dainty fans and the witty lashing of sharp
tongues, ironically accompanied by sputtering lisps and pompous moles, the
characters eagerly lapped up any sexual innuendo that dripped from one’s mouth. The raw wit and quick banter sends the
audience howling into laughter, and the innate, sensual softness and angst exuded
by Rovner gives us an immediate connection of empathy and emotion. One can agree that by the end of his
transforming self-discovery, he is neither male nor female, but rather... a
mere human being.
![]() Compleat
Female Stage Beauty is playing at the Crown City Theatre in North
Hollywood. The show’s grand press
opening was May 31st, and will continue playing Fridays and
Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm through July 1, 2012. To purchase tickets, please visit www.brownpapertickets.com. $25
general admission, $20 for senior citizens and students. Due to strong sexual content, suggestive
themes, and language, this play is not recommended for children under the age
of 15.
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