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Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

"Mary Stuart"

Gordon’s Elizabeth is a proud, defiant woman who has spent much of her life defending her presence on England’s throne. She is unnaturally strong-willed for a woman of her era, and such determination intimidates the men in her court into doing her bidding.

Staples is Elizabeth’s polar opposite as the play’s title character. Known far and wide for her beauty and charm, she simply has to show her face and men clamor to grant her every desire. Unlike Elizabeth, Mary is meek and mild, and she continually repents for the sins she has committed throughout her short life.

At the crux of the play is Mary’s captivity in England. Mary, a Catholic, is the niece of King Henry VIII (who is also Elizabeth’s father), and — in the midst of extreme strife between Catholics and Protestants in England — she is believed by all Catholics to be the true queen of England. However, Elizabeth — a Protestant — is in charge of the throne, despite allegations by English Catholics that she is a bastard child because her father’s marriage to her mother, Anne Boleyn, was never recognized by the Catholic Church.

Gordan commands the stage with her presence and is highly exceptional in the role of the virgin queen. Her portrayal of Elizabeth’s indecision regarding whether or not to have her cousin beheaded in order to secure her own position on the throne is utterly believable and nearly sympathetic.

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Just as remarkable is Staples’ performance as the captured queen. Despite being of English descent, Mary Stuart was raised in France with the children of the French king, Henry II, and Staples’ French accent is nearly flawless. She’s purely pitiful as a lonesome woman who must spend her final days locked away from the world.

Gordon and Staples are not the only fantastic females to grace the stage during the production. Jane Kennedy, Mary’s nurse (played by Laurie Birmingham), puts forth a moving display as the woman who sees Mary from cradle to grave.

The set, designed by Michael Frankel, is a simple one, letting the actors’ movements speak for themselves. A platform in the middle of the stage is draped with layers of fabric; as various layers are removed, the tone of the scene is changed by the color or style of the fabric draping the stage.

Gorgeous fabrics are also utilized by Helen Q. Huang, the costume designer. Rich tones of plush velvet were used to create clothing from the time period, and the costumes contribute to viewers’ total and complete immersion in the story unfolding before their eyes.

“Mary Stuart” is delightful to watch — a stunning play to help begin the Rep’s 50th Anniversary Season.

Grade: A

“Mary Stuart” will run through Nov. 9 at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 108 E. Wells St. Ticket prices vary. Call 224-1761 for more information.