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Its based on Philip Sidneys 16th-century prose closet dramaThe Arcadia.Oh, you dont know it?
Dont get out, Ill buy you coffee.
Its, uh, its got princesses!
And its very public-domain.
And the music, I almost forgot, the music will all be the Go-Gos!
And for the play.
As befits a story about transformation, the show has seen a fair bit of shapeshifting.
We heed its rhythm and follow its form, they declare between swells of the Go Gos hit.
[The beat] keeps us in line and dictates the norm.
Safe and dependable as it is, their Beat will need to take a beating.
So, as seems to be the tradition when troubles coming to paradise, enter a snake.
(Prophets, it seems, dont use the postal service.)
Whats a hidebound, arrogant monarch to do?
Well, clearly conceal the prophecy from his family and set about trying to avoid its outcome.
Mopsas vanity has been shifted to Pamela, to hilarious effect.
In truth, I am not vain; I am objective!
insists Pamela as she clucks over her sister Philocleas stunningly routine appearance.
The exit, like pretty much everything Milligan does, gets delighted applause, and she deserves it.
She is, and its a thrill to watch her.
Of course, while Pamelas absolutely fabulous, shes also a little confused.
Mayer is keeping the play playful, riffing ingeniously on devices that are more imaginative than illusionistic.
Head Over Heelsis at the Hudson Theatre.
