REVIEW: C33 at The Ring

WHAT: C33 The Queer Story of Oscar Wilde's Undoing

WHERE: Players' Ring

BLURB: A mixed presentation

HIGH POINT: Intriguing storyline

TL;DR: The world premier of an early-stage original with an intriguing storyline.

C33 The Queer Story of Oscar Wilde's Undoing by Alex Bickerstaff, is currently making its world premier at the Player's Ring.

There's a lot of effort on the page and stage, and certainly passion, but the presentation is mixed.

The intriguing tale is as described in the title, and the script has a lot of promise, though it's still in its early-days' stage.

Oscar Wilde (Christopher Ferrill) was one of the most celebrated men of his time, an intellectual, writer and thespian of the late 1800s.

The show starts backstage at a production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," Wilde's latest play, shortly after a commotion caused by the Marquess of Queensberry (Tim Young).

Queensberry is the father of Alfred "Bosie" Douglas (Jules Good), his 25-year-old male lover, 15 years his junior. The commotion was part of an ongoing campaign by Queensberry to discredit Wilde, and end the relationship.

Against the advice of close friends, Wilde decides to charge the wealthy and influential Queensberry with libel for accusing him of being a sodomite.

As predicted by friends, Wilde loses the case, along with his freedom, family, and all his wealth.

The play's action switches between days leading up to his arrest and his time in prison.

It is a given a new script needs editing, it's the norm for any play at its stage.

That said, Bickerstaff already demonstrates a well arranged flow of information. It uses a successful time-shift structure and for the most part, a well set, and natural dialogue.

But, it does need editing. One flaw that occurs a few times through is the monologues, both as written and delivered. There's a lot of passion there, but the writing feels weighted, instructive, and lengthy.

This is underscored by the delivery of each, an issue that falls partly to Director Jen Nelson, and in a few cases the actor.

Direction, by Jen Nelson, is uneven. It starts with some casting choices, which prove a poor match for the character's personality, the actor working against type, and skill level. That said, in other cases she nails development of characters' personas.

As for the monologue scenes, Nelson either directs or allows grandstanding at a pitch that feels inauthentic and hampers the intense topic.

What she does accomplish is an even pace, and use of the well designed set (by Billy Butler) to her advantage, making the multiple locations and scene changes appear effortless.

There are some fine performances, but the cast skill-level is mixed, with some appearing less seasoned performing in pivotal roles, leaving the production uneven.

Still there are standouts.

Ferrill creates an intriguing Oscar Wilde. His arrogance is palpable, but he also succeeds in making him a sympathetic figure.

Fury Sheron is thoroughly believable as both C 34 (a truly affecting character), and as Ned Carson, the prosecution. Great job.

Kyle Aarons is solid as Reggie Turner, Wilde's friend and Bob Porzio gives a credible performance as Wilde's dearest friend Robbie Ross, but for the monologue scene.

The cast is rounded out by George Alexander, Jules Good, Maya Getting and Tim Young.

C33 The Queer Story of Oscar Wilde's Undoing is an interesting story; even at its early stage. It's a highly promising piece.

Still, the production is uneven - tough to say with all the obvious work in this piece, but it is. The script does deserve support, as does the work of all involved. So, if you're the sort of theatergoer who finds interest in watching a work grow, go for it. Just know, this is not a polished piece.

WARNING: Adult Themes and Language

WHERE: Player's Ring,105 Marcy St., Portsmouth NH

WHEN: through Feb. 26

COST: General $27, Student and senior $24

CONTACT: 436-8123, and PlayersRing.org

STATS

Playwright: Alex Bickerstaff

Director: Jen Nelson

Designers:

Scenic and Lighting: Billy Butler

Costume: Margherita Giacobbi & Barbara Newton

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