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It is the story of the first African-American actor to play Othello for two performances at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden in London in 1833. When the famous Shakespearean actor Edmund Kean becomes ill, company manager Pierre LaPotre (Mtthew Klinger) brings on his friend and well qualified veteran actor Ira Aldridge 1807- 1867 (Brandon Greenhouse) to play Othello. This was a daring choice by LaPorte since a black man had never before played Othello on a major London theatre. 1833 was a riotous time in London with the abolition of slavery in England and various social and political reforms being enacted. Change at all levels was being challenged.

Kate Henning’s drama focuses on the character of King Henry as Steve Pickering plays him as a tough, commanding despot who appreciates a strong woman if they are sexy and ultimately loyal. This Henry is, indeed, king who is willing to use his power however he desires. His love for Kate allows her to be more that a nurse-mate to his three children. Rather he elevates her to political power due to her loyalty and competence. She emerges as an almost equal in an age when most women spent their time knotting. Kate open the doors (literally) for Mary and Elizabeth to govern.

This manically paced comedy id fueled by grief and dysfunctional family relations yet it is one of the cleverest and witty comedies in years! Alex Weisman give a tour de force performance as Jason/Tyrone, Who knew that Weisman could manipulate his hand puppet with such spot-on timing and change voices instantly between Jason and Tyrone. Add his deft physicality and we have a fabulous comic performance. Weisman can add comic performer (and puppeteer0 to his resume.