A scene from the production of “Into the Breeches.”
The Hub Theatre Company of Boston recently put on a production of “Into the Breeches.” The show was offered in a “pay-what-you-can” style, which means exactly what it sounds like. The price of a ticket depended on the audience member, and how much money they could spare at the time.
It’s part of The Hub’s mission to make the arts as affordable and accessible as possible. This also helps in creating a diverse audience in terms of ages, cultures, races and socioeconomic levels. (1)
Due to the theater’s smaller size, the cast and crew members are able to create a more intimate experience with their audience. The company strongly believes in the idea of diversity and inclusion for the arts, which is an important discussion to be held at this time.
The show, written by George Brant in 2018, is set in the 1940s during World War II. It follows the wife of a soldier who picks up her husband’s role as owner, operator and director of Oberon Play House.
The soldier’s wife, Maggie, was played by Lauren Elias. Elias has been with the company for many shows, which is shown through her comfort and ease onstage. Her character provided thoughtful insight to a performative allyship. Although the show is set in the forties, that insight can still be applied to today’s world.
Standing beside Elias onstage was Kathleen Pickett, who played the role of Celeste. Her talent shines through the character’s quick sarcasm and drawling wit. Even though this was Pickett’s first show with the company, Celeste was a comedic light throughout the show, having the audience in stitches with every line.
At the show that The Mass Media was invited to, the director, Bryn Boice, had to step in for the role of Winifred due to a slight emergency. However, despite the short notice, the director did a fantastic job of bringing the role to life. Her funny innocence and naivety left the audience craving more.
Next to these three was Jessica Golden who played Grace. Throughout the show, Golden provided a glimpse of heartbreak and loss because she had not heard from her husband in many months. Golden played this role beautifully, and she truly showed the depth behind missing a loved one.
Beside these girls was Lily Ayotte, playing the role of June. The character brought freshness and youth to the stage amongst the sadness and tragedy of war. This is Ayotte’s first show with the company, though she has done many shows with The Shakespeare Company.
Nettie Chickering played the role of Ida. Her character brought attention to what it was like being a Black woman during WWII. Her husband was given the same opportunity to fight, but Ida wasn’t given the same respect as white women for staying home and taking care of her family. This sentiment can still be applied to how Black women are treated in today’s world.
Robert Orzalli played Stuart. Serving the same purpose as Chickering’s role, Orzalli shed light on what it was like to be a gay man during the time. When his character announced to the others that he was gay, they were all shocked and tried to keep this fact quiet. This again relates to the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in today’s world.
Finally, the role of Ellsworth was played by Steve Auger. Ellsworth provided the funding for the shows at the playhouse, so he had several back-and-forths with Maggie, which made the audience immediately burst into laughter.
“Into the Breeches” was a must-see. To those who didn’t get the chance to check it out, be sure to tune in to The Hub’s Facebook and website for their next show.
Sources:
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http://www.hubtheatreboston.org/our-mission.html
