“Some Wicked Women This Way Come”
Developed and performed by the Brazen Faced Varlets
Directed by Lara Harberberger
Reviewed by Jeff Wilber
(DISCLAIMER – The reviewer here, me, is married to one of the cast members, Theresa DiMuro-Wilber. I have, with great diligence, worked to remain objective.)
In their fourth in a series of explorations of women of dubious and righteous nature – past and present – the Varlets once again take the audience on a roller-coaster ride through the minds of women who are truly wicked – or are just perceived that way. There are highs, there are lows, but there is always a noble intent – to change the perspective of history and to see these women from a different angle. To know them as people – not just legends.
From first person encounters with the likes of the Shoe Queen Imelda Marcos and child killer Mary Bell, to the rousing ditty about a plethora of women pirates, the troupe once again bars no holds! The challenging “Miss Nazi Sympathizer” and the musical indictment of tween rockers get right up in your face. And, considering the size of the theater, it is most certainly personal. Then there is the chilling ensemble-shared monologue about Shanda Sharer, the twelve-year-old girl that was tortured and murdered by a group of her peers.
One of the more poignant and touching moments comes with a present-day vignette about Malala Yousafzai – the girl who, because she just wanted an education, was shot in the face by the Taliban and has become a worldwide symbol of strength and passion.
There are funny moments. There are moments of deep tragedy. There are even moments of utter absurdity! But that is the essence of what these performers are exploring – the human, the female, condition!
There is even a Buffalo connection: A faux radio drama based on the infamous 1930 murder of Chlotilde Marchand, the wife of a renowned French artist, by Lila Jimerson, dubbed ‘Red Lilac of the Senecas’.
The Varlets are growing despite the limitations of their venue. They are taking into consideration the qualities of production and lighting design and are branching out and engaging local organizations – in this case Crisis Services of Buffalo – as companions to their work. After the Friday night performances they have included a ‘Talk Back’ segment that allows the audience to ask questions of the performers and representatives from Crisis Services.
Of course, as with any work-shopped piece of this nature – one developed by the entire cast which features Kelly M. Beuth, Theresa DiMuro Wilber, Diane McNamara, Brittany Kucala, Kerry Alsheimer, Mike Beiter and director Lara Harberberger – there are bumps and there are missteps. But all of the dips and rises come from following a path most folk won’t dare to tread – a search for the truth.
Thursday – Saturday at 8pm
October 10 – 26
ALL SHOWS AT RUST BELT BOOKS | Allen and Elmwood
All tickets are $15
OR- BUY YOUR SEASON TICKETS
ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE ON FACEBOOK AND ON VARLETS.ORG
PAY WHAT YOU CAN ON THURSDAYS ($12 presale online)