S75 - Mrs. Charles by Ruth Virkus - 5m, 6w
In 1878, Charles and Walter are in love, but the harsh reality of Philadelphia society keeps them from ever truly making a life together. When Walter is offered the chance to open a milling concern in Minneapolis, they hatch an audacious plan: arrive there as Walter and Charlotte Kenzie. An unlikely marriage set against the backdrop of early Minneapolis society, Mrs. Charles is about what we’re willing to give up, what we’re willing to fight for, and what is really worth it in the end.
posted by Jim Vogel at 5:35 PM
7 Comments:
I was the one to recommend this one. While it is Historical fiction, it uses actual historical people from Minnesota's history and weaves it into a topic that is still faced today (unfortunately). I saw a production of it over 10 years ago with Freshwater Theatre (which is no longer producing work) and I still think about it. I highly recommend it and feel that it is both approachable and relevant. It also brings a nice sentimentality that I felt was lacking in other selections. That being said - I just finished Quantumly entangled and do not think both should be in the same season. While time periods are different - I get much of the same vibe.
This was a very fascinating read. The story was intriguing and kept my interest the whole time. I think it would be necessary to cut this a bit in order to stage it. Even with my interest, it took me a while to read and I am a fast reader. It would feel too long on stage. I think there are some easy places to cut however. Big costume show (and potentially makeup, if the director would like to emphasize the aging of the characters from Act I to Act II). I like that it was inspired by a piece of art at MIA, that pulls in more Minnesota art institutions (although not directly referred to in the story, it could provide some outreach and engagement opportunities).
I loved this play! It definitely fits into S75 with a Minnesota tie-in. The characters were interesting and well developed. It does seem long, however. It took me a long time to read it. We would need to
choose between this and Quantumly Entangled for the same season, but I'm leaning towards Mrs. Charles.
I enjoyed it. I like it better than Quantumly Entangled but perhaps should let it be a potential director's choice. As unfamiliar scripts, which, if either, attracts directors? I agree that it seems very long, and I think it needs cutting. Keep it in the mix.
Love this script and am glad it's in the mix. Equal parts entertaining and enlightening. I think the banter nature of the dialogue might move the run time quicker than I could read it, but there are places to cut for time if needed (and approved).
I enjoyed this, but also agree that it felt long in reading but could be accelerated in performance. Would back either this one or Quantumly Entangled.
This is a very long play. I think that we need to consider how audiences reacted to the length of "Lettice and Lovage" when considering this as an option.
This play has it's moments, but I didn't find myself enjoying it the entire way through (because of the length). So, I agree with some of the comments about cutting, if possible.
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