The Wonder! A Women Keeps a Secret
by Susanne Centlivre
Point of Contention Theatre
Suzanna Centlivre's madcap Restoration comedy follows Violante, a virtuous young maid who swears to keep a friend's secret even at the cost of her own romance.
I transplanted Centlivre's Restoration comedy from Lisbon, Portugal to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (where the Portuguese court reigned from 1808-1821) to parallel the struggle of the play's female protagonist to throw of the strictures of her father's commands with the struggle of the Brazilian people to throw off the imperial yolk. The Wonder was performed at BoHo Theatre's Heartland Studio, on off-nights opposite a production of The Tempest set in a mental institution, and therefore we took care to add spark and heat to the otherwise bleak set.
Directed by Margo Gray
Costume Designer: Carrie Hardin
Sound Designer: Brandon Baisden
Lighting Designer: Brandon Boler
Performers: Chris Chamblee, Brett Lee, Morgan Manasa, Jeff Mclane, Jason Nykiel, Eric S. Prahl, Hayley Rice, Megan Schutt, Lisa Sicilliano, Sean Patrick Ward, Justin Warren
Press
"This is what Chicago’s theater scene is all about: around a corner, in a little space one could easily pass by, a small theater company is doing great things.Director Margo Gray has assembled a lively and gifted cast for Point of Contention’s production of The Wonder: a Woman Keeps a Secret. This 18th century play by Susanna Centlivre... receives light and fast modern flare, while staying true to its ribald, audacious, and feminist origins. Step into that little black box–an evening of 295 year-old fun awaits you." -- Chicago Theater Blog >>
"The Point of Contention Theatre group under the direction of Margo Gray presented this evening of frenzied action and laughter...The direction and staging were seamless."
-- Urban Coaster >>
"The vocal energy and athletic stamina of [the cast] lends itself to a fast-paced romp under the direction of Margo Gray."
-- Windy City Times >>