It was only a matter of time before Taylor Mac portrayed Orlando, a young Lord in the Elizabethan age who is favored by Queen Elizabeth I (Nathan Lee Graham) . In return for his love and devotion to her, he is granted her land and assets after death. Over the next few hundred years- Orlando is eventually transformed into a woman in Sarah Ruhl’s adaptation of the 1928 Virginia Woolf novel.
Program notes for the Signature Theater production describe the origin of Ruhl’s wish to make this portrayal a reality:
"I’ve known Taylor since we were at New Dramatists (down the block) together as playwrights. I’d always admired Taylor as a writer and performer, and when I saw the seminal 24-Decade History of Popular Music, with Taylor moving through the centuries and in and out of genders, in Machine Dazzle’s epic costumes—I gasped inwardly, thinking—Taylor Mac must play Orlando someday."
Mac, who is best known for gender fluidity and a keen, queer sensibility, is undeniably the right person for the job. Non binary director Will Davis has assembled an equally fine cast, including the always hilarious and flawless Graham, who chews up the scenery with Mac, and Tony award winning actor and writer Lisa Kron. Literally speaking, there is not much scenery to chew. Scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado has set these players in a wide-open space akin to a school gymnasium.
It’s best to expunge any reference or memory of the lush 1992 movie starring Tilda Swinton in the title role. While that version is one of opulence and beauty, this one has a stark, understated aesthetic that often feels cold and clinical.
Still, there are some marvelous performances here, aided by some fabulous costumes, complements of Oana Botez.
Given all that is happening with LGBTQ+ rights in this country, Orlando could not arrive at a better time. It is an all-around, perverse nightmare for those trying to strip us of those rights and in turn, a delightful and vital treasure for everyone else who wants to celebrate themselves and all of the glorious attributes that make us fully human.
Orlando is now playing Off Broadway at Signature Theater 480 W. 42nd Street NYC through May 12th. For tickets and information, click here : signaturetheatre.org, orlando
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