Wolf Kings
Created by Maggie Conroy and Chuck Harper
Texts Adapted from and inspired by the Writings of Angela Carter, Alphonse Daudet, Marie de Rabutin-Chantal Sevigne, Benjamin Walker, with original material written by Chuck Harper and the Ensemble
Directed by Chuck Harper
YoungLiars
November 7, 2024
Frankie Ferrari, Kay Ailee Bush
Photo: Young Liars
YoungLiars is presenting a new show for the first time in a few years. This time, this bold, adventurous theatre company is taking their audience on a compelling, philosophical, fairy-tale influenced trip to a dystopian world and a thoughtful exploration of myths and archetypes, resistance, loyalty, friendship, and betrayal in their stylized, memorably cast new work Wolf Kings, currently being staged at The Chapel. Featuring a striking atmosphere and fascinating characters, this is a show that keeps its audience engaged and guessing through its 90 minute runtime and even beyond, making for a unique theatrical experience.
There’s so much going on in this relatively short show that I feel obligated to warn audiences to pay attention to everything that happens, as much as possible. I also can’t describe the plot in too much detail because discovering what’s going on is a major strength of this piece. It’s also not made entirely clear what’s happening at first. The promotional materials mention a group of women who have weekly meetings “as an antidote to their dystopian daily lives” by engaging in a “clandestine theatrical soiree”. What’s not made clear, though, is exactly what they are escaping, and how they came to have these weekly meetings. Before the characters start appearing, there’s some audio that suggests some kind of battle or war, but that’s the only real clue we are given before the action actually begins. We don’t even know the time or place, although the overall vibe suggests Europe in the period between the World Wars, but there’s some more modern music played at times, and some references that suggest various times and settings. Also, the five women (Ashwini Arora, Frankie Ferrari, Keating, Maggie Conroy, Kay Ailee Bush) are joined by one man (Cassidy Flynn), who seems to regularly join the group but is warned that tonight, he wasn’t expected to be there and, after he insists on staying, he’s warned that he may very well regret his decision.
The group engages in various games, songs, and readings, including a fun rendition of the old English music hall song “I Was a Good Little Girl ‘Til I Met You” which allows Flynn to show off an impressive higher vocal range. It’s all sort of whimsical and theatrical for a while, with degrees of snark and gradually increasing ominous undertones, as the group members play as aristocratic French ladies exchanging “compliments” and then stage a dramatic rehearsal of sorts, acting out the Little Red Riding Hood story with added elements including various men who meet Little Red on her journey and want different things from her. All the while, there are stories of a menacing and mysterious Wolf, along with exercises in divination and the specter of danger and betrayal. That’s about all I can say without spoiling too much, but I will say this is a fascinating show, with a plot that unfolds carefully and artfully, and had me thinking about it for days after the show ended. It’s at once surprising, entertaining, and unsettling, covering concepts of loyalty, secrecy, trust, resistance, and reckoning.
Even though I wish there was a little more backstory, the world the show creates is vividly realized, as the characters arrive one by one and remove the sheets covering various items of furniture, revealing the group’s secret hiding place from the outside world. The costumes by Marcy Wiegert offer a stylish flair and degree of theatricality to the proceedings. There’s also exquisitely crafted and timed lighting by Morgan Brennan and sound by Chuck Harper that punctuates the story with just the right blend of whimsy, mystery, and growing sense of ominous dread. There’s also excellent work from choreographer Mikey Thomas for the memorable dance moments throughout the show.
As for the cast, everyone is excellent, playing their parts with energy and strong ensemble chemistry. Flynn and Ferrari especially shine, giving multi-layered performances with an impressive range of emotions. Keating, Arora, Conroy, and Bush are also strong in their various roles, making the tone shifts and ultimate sense of urgency thoroughly convincing.
Wolf Kings is a fascinating play. It provides so much to think about as an exploration of well known fairy tales as well as familiar themes and that growing tone of mystery and suspense. It’s a welcome return to the stage for YoungLiars, and an intellectually and artistically stimulating theatrical exercise.
Cassidy Flynn, Keating
Photo: Young Liars
Young Liars is presenting Wolf Kings at The Chapel until November 23, 2024
