Who then,….am I
Is the question which keeps being asked in Screaming Butterflies’ flawless production of Orlando, playwright Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of Virginia Woolfe’s 1928 novel of the same name, which opened this past weekend at the Merlino Arts Center in Tacoma.
The multifaceted answer seriously delved into poetic, sexual, gender identity and historic dimensions all delivered with wit and humor in this exceedingly delightful production directed by Kathryn Philbrook.
One of Virginia Woolfe’s favorite and most financially successful novels, Orlando tells the story of an English aristocratic poet, who lives from Elizabethan times to the 1920’s, but at the age of 30 is transformed into a woman. Along the way he/she “they” write poetry under an oak tree and have various amorous adventures with a host of extremely interesting characters among them: an aging Queen Elizabeth I, when he is only 16, a sexually feral Russian princess. Then, at the age of 30, he wakes up, one day, to discover that he no longer has the body of a male but of a female.
Once physically transformed, the psychological, emotional cultural and especially sartorial adjustments are extremely challenging but due to the excellent comic timing of Jessica Robins as Orlando, hilariously funny as well as being incredibly astute. Robbins’ acting and the whole show was the epitome of how comedy can be effectively used to confront serious controversial subjects. 
Using an ensemble of four actors to play 16 characters, which narrate the text as a chorus, while seamlessly switching from role to role, expertly using different accents and dialects, with minimal but effective costume changes, Philbrook, the director, kept up a quick pace with expert comic and dramatic timing. 
Particularly impressive was that all the actors had excellent voices; they projected and articulated well even at the most challenging times. Also the charmingly simple costumes demonstrated the creativity of the director, who was also the costume designer.
The very young Ejay Amor, as the demanding aging Queen Elizabeth was just a delight to watch. Luke Amundson as Othello and the eventual gender fluid husband of Orlando (female) had a commanding presence. Melanie Gladstone as the Russian princess, had a perfect Russian accent without sacrificing clarity, while Jill Heinecke as the Archduchess/Archduke contributed to the general hilarious confusion visited upon Orlando. Also the impeccable timing of this ensemble as a chorus was highly commendable.
Given that there were umpteen set changes over several different centuries, the set design by Jen Tidwell was impressive for its simplicity and versatility. Equally impressive was the sound design, also by Tidwell, every piece of music was historically appropriate and complimented the action on the stage.
In short, in spite of the weather which induces people to go outdoors, this is a must see show. Not only is it an extremely interesting play, but such an exceptional production does not come along very often, especially at the price. For those suffering from the heat, Medzo Gelto is just around the corner at Tacoma Ave S and 6th.
Do not miss this show!
Orlando. Screaming Butterflies, Dukesbay Theatre, Merlino Arts Center (508 South 6th Ave #10, Tacoma WA 98405), Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm. Til May 28th.
Tickets
https://screamingbutterfliesorlando.bpt.me
Info http://screamingbutterfliestheater.wordpress.com 253-691-9615.