Historical fiction has always fascinated me. I love it when an author takes real events and using his/her imagination adds behind-the-scenes drama that might have happened. That is certainly the case with Gary Graves newest play “The Contest.”
Here Graves takes a real event in 1504 when Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were commissioned by the Republic of Florence to paint a battle scene on opposing walls in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. In Graves’ play, none other than Niccolo Machiavelli is the government official who oversees the temperamental artists. The resulting play highlights their fierce competition and differing views on art as well as the conflict between art and state.
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Graves sets his piece with the Republic of Florence floundering and Machiavelli unraveling as the Medicis gain power. Quite a backdrop for the two artistic geniuses to commence their work.
While Graves’ work is more words than actions, it weaves a fascinating web of artistic and political intrigue with three very fine actors demonstrating their impressive talents.
Nathaniel Andalis storms the stage as the egocentric Michelangelo in dirty, old clothes preferring realism and working with stone, while the more charming Christopher Herold struts about as the fashion-conscious da Vinci first appearing in a gold jacket and next in a red-checked suit. Acting as negotiator and referee is Alan Coyne as the stressed-out Machiavelli, who in addition to dealing with the egocentric artists is also tasked with overseeing military operations.
The three actors and Graves, who also directs, do a brilliant job keeping the pace moving and modulating their voices by changing volume and speed to create tension — especially important with a play that relies almost entirely on words to keep the audience involved.
This was quite a departure for Coyne. Known for his physical comedy and impeccable comedic timing, Coyne demonstrates his talent for creating a very serious, intense character in this play.
“The Contest” runs through Nov. 17 at Berkeley City Club on 2315 Durant Ave. in Berkeley. For tickets, call 510-558-1381 or go to centralworks.org.
Also in Berkeley: Aurora Theatre Company opened its season with Noel Coward’s scandalous comedy “Fallen Angels,” running through Nov. 17 at 2081 Addison St.
While it might not seem quite so scandalous in 2024, Coward risked censorship by the Lord Chamberlain in 1925.
Set in the 1920s, Coward uses his wit and penchant for controversy to delve into the complexities of love, desire and the emerging independence of women.
Two best friends, Jane (Emily Newsome) and Julia (Kina Kantor), have each been married for five years. The spark is waning in their marriages as their proper British husbands, Willy and Fred (Kevin Clarke and Michael Barrett Austin), prefer golf to more amorous adventures. Slightly bored as they try to fill their days, Jane and Julia each receive a note from a former lover that they both enjoyed before their marriages. His impending arrival throws the women into a frenzy of passion and anxiety resulting in a fast-paced, farcical adventure full of misdirection and lots of champagne.
Director Tom Ross has walked the fine line of keeping the action fast paced and thoroughly hysterical without going totally over the top. He is aided by his wonderful group of actors, with Newsome and Kantor wavering between proper wives and lustful lovers while Clarke and Austin give “stuffy” new meaning.
Cindy Goldfield as the maid Saunders is a riot with her understated manner and surprising talents, and Joel Roster takes on the former lover, Frenchman Maurice Duclos, with a surplus of sensual delight.
Costumer Ella Wright fashioned the colorful, period costumes with Mikiko Uesugi designing the gorgeous set complete, of course, with a baby grand piano.
For tickets, call 510-423-0054 or go to auroratheatre.org.
Celebration of life: It’s finally here! Time to celebrate the wonderful personality and talent of Sheila Morrison. We lost Sheila in August to ALS, the progressive neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Her celebration of life takes place Nov. 12 from 1-5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on 1475 Creekside Drive in Walnut Creek.
Sheila’s incredible support of her fellow performers is well known, as was her ability to have audiences laughing hysterically with the crazy characters she created on stage and in front of the camera. Who can ever forget her impression of Lucille Ball or Lily Tomlin as Ernestine the telephone operator?
Sheila’s family, son Mike and his wife Susan, would love to know if you’re coming or not. Please email your response to sheilahshiningstar@yahoo.com. If you have any photos or video of Sheila you’d like included at the celebration, please share via email.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.