In the world of theatre (and movies), men running around in women's clothing has long been a staple of physical comedy. In Shakespearean times, women were forbidden on stage-- so that famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet? That would have to have been performed by 2 guys-- and probably convincingly enough that you wouldn't even snicker. Even today, in British Pantomime (usually performed at Christmas time), major female characters are played by men- usually for laughs (and this tradition continues on Broadway today with leading female roles in Hairspray and Matilda being played by men). Two classic Broadway comedic plays (one just ending at Hale Center Theatre in West Valley) center on a man dressed as an older woman (Is He Dead? and Charley's Aunt)- and those plays were written 100 years ago- the comedy of a guy dressed as a girl was funny then- and is funny now.
In movies, we laugh at Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor are more recent, but back in silent comedies, Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton all put on a dress and a wig at some moment to get a laugh.
But, (and Leading Ladies plays off the idea of Shakespearean actors being able to play women convincingly), WHY do we find men dressed as women so funny? I think the answer is pretty simple. Men make terrible women. It's not convincing. It's obvious to everyone (both onstage and in the audience) that these two characters don't act and sound like women-- but at the same time, it's funny watching 2 male actors deal with clothing, movement and voices that are so different from their own. And, (although I'm biased), it's really funny watching our awesome comedic actors (Sam Portlock and Porter Bagley) run around in high heels.
This play is not deep. But it's fun. I've loved every minute of directing this show. I think the actors are allowed to have a lot of fun- which I hope transfers to you in the audience having a lot of fun as well. At the heart of the play, I think we have a sweet love story with our heroine Meg- who (as is usually the case in these types of shows) learns to follow her hopes and dreams from a strong female character (who also happens to be male).
A huge thank you to: Stage Crew (great work guys), Mrs. Anderson (thank you for all of your insight and help), Mary and Tiina (Mary helped costume our first Ken Ludwig play Lend Me a Tenor that we did over 10 years ago), all of the student technicians and dressers (there is quite the show behind the show with this play), Erin McGuire for always having sound advice, our Principal and Administrators (if you hate this play, send your complaint to me first) and, last but not least, my wife Jackie (even though farces aren't her favorite, thank you for tolerating them) and Millie and Ellis.
Sit back and enjoy the show!
Mr. Clin Eaton
RHS Theatre Teacher
