By Crystal Hayduk
Have you ever felt a general dissatisfaction with your life, so you consider doing something wild and extraordinary, like getting on the next plane to anywhere?
Diva Royale, playing now at the Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC), introduces us to three stay-at-home moms hoping to renew the love, romance, and adventure in their lives. But in their rush to get out of the Midwest, they make some critical planning errors.
Will their ensuing escapades break up their friendship or bring them closer together?
Playwright Jeff Daniels demonstrates his mastery at writing relatable comedy. With minimal use of narration and a generous dose of Celine Dion’s music, we’re invited to join in the friendship of these women, thanks to Daniels’ skillful breaking of the fourth wall.
Rhiannon Ragland plays the part of Helen, who opens herself to the chance for a new adventure with her friends following a frightening, but riotously described, brush with death. She puts her heart into the role, as her facial expressions and vocal qualities perfectly characterize Helen’s fears, challenges, questions, and strength.
Kristin Shields portrays perky, warmhearted Mary Catherine, who may be the modern epitome of a stay-at-home mom, with her homemaking skills and budgeting efforts. When she unpacks her suitcase in New York City, surprising her friends with its contents, I discovered my own kindred spirit on stage.
Kate Thomsen, cast as Lynette, handles the intense physical comedy of her role with sustained energy and aplomb. Lynette’s crisis (“the heartbeat of your soul ripped from your hand”) threatens to take over the primary purpose of the trip, even though her friends face crises of their own.
Rusty Mewha is hilarious as Generic Man. In each of his numerous roles, Mewha cleverly supports the female members of the cast, while the audience connects with him in his own right. Mewha kept the crowd in stitches through his humorous choreography as several characters, including, but not limited to, a thief, an NYPD mounted officer, and a drag queen.
Film projections on the back wall supplement the simple set.
Notable costumes include Mary Catherine’s home sewn replica of Celine Dion’s “The Colour of My Love” dress and her footed pajamas with bunny slippers, and Heinrich’s performance costume. Mewha’s quick costume changes are also impressive.
The play runs for about an hour and a half without an intermission, but its fast pace makes it feel much shorter. Be prepared to laugh: Diva Royale delivers a rollicking good time.
Note: Contains adult language & content.
What: World premiere comedy by Jeff Daniels, his 17th play premiered at PRTC. Daniels is currently portraying Atticus Finch in Broadway’s To Kill A Mockingbird, an adaptation by Aaron Sorkin, set to begin previews Nov. 1. Daniels recently won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in Godless.
When: Now playing through Dec. 29; six performances a week – evenings and matinees. See schedule here (https://www.purplerosetheatre.org/diva-royale/).
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea
Director: Guy Sanville, assisted by Michelle Mountain.
Cast: Rhiannon Ragland, Kristin Shields, Kate Thomsen, and Rusty Mewha
Crew: Design includes set by Gary Ciarkowski, projections by Robert W. Hubbard, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Dana L. White, and sound by Tom Whalen.
Stage manager: Angie Kane Ferrante and Thomas Macias, with assistance by Devin Faught; managing director: Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available at www.purplerosetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673.
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company: Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.
