**** Highly Recommended Janet Ulrich Brooks performance as Queen Elizabeth II in Drury Lane Theatre’s production of The Audience was a tour de force. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this historical drama, but it’s fun to imagine being in the room and listening in on conversations in the Audience room. The set was gorgeous, the costumes – especially that iconic white ball gown and crown – were authentic. The only criticism I have to offer – I had a hard time hearing some of the dialogue. 4 Spotlights
Queen Elizabeth’s reign began in 1952 when the 25-year-old queen acceded to the throne and lasted until her death at age 96 in 2022. The play is set in the Audience room, a spacious chamber filled with priceless antiques, where she received the current Prime Minister, every Tuesday at 6:00 pm.
Queen Elizabeth was almost always unflappable while dealing with generally irascible men. She frequently displayed a strong will and a subtle sense of humor. She is clearly the most important person in the room. I thought it was fascinating to watch the deference paid to the Queen, who had no real political power, by the prime ministers, who hold all the power.
The play frequently jumps through time, both forward and back, so Ulrich Brooks has frequent – and rapid – costume and wig changes accomplished behind a screen with the assistance of her dresser, Bobo MacDonald ((Sarah Chalcraft), and her silent assistant, Rebekah Ward, who always curtseyed. The wigs represent the stages of the Queen’s life, dark hair, hair with a hint of gray, a white streak, all gray and finally white.
So, the Prime Ministers visiting the Queen (in no particular order) are Winston Churchill (Matt DeCaro), Gordon Brown (Raymond Fox), Tony Blair/David Cameron (Alex Goodrich), John Major (John Judd), Margaret Thatcher (Susie McMonagle), Harold Wilson (Ron E. Rains) and Anthony Eden (Mark Ulrich).
When the Queen is alone, she remembers her childhood. A little girl, Young Elizabeth (Elin Joy Seiler) walks a Corgi, rides a scooter, and has conversations with her adult self. Another Young Elizabeth (Omi Lichtenstein) makes a radio announcement to the after her father, King George’s death. Another notable scene - her coronation, complete with all the pomp, circumstance and crown.
Also appearing: Footman/Detective (Brandon Dahlquist), Equerry (Jürgen Hooper), Archbishop/Private Secretary (Bill McGough). The ensemble includes Chris Amos Sarah Chalcroft, Brandon Dahlquist, Bill McGough)
The Audience, written by Peter Morgan, starring Helen Mirren, premiered in the West End in 2013. It opened on Broadway in 2015, also starring Mirren. When I was talking about the play with friends, my friend Tiby Greenberger said she’d watched a live broadcast in 2013 and was mesmerized by Mirren’s performance. Apparently Peter Morgan loves speculating about the monarch since he also wrote The Crown.
The Audience runs through October 20th at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Parking is free.
Running time is two hours, 20 minutes, with a 20-minute intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:30 pm; Thursdays at 1:30 & 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:00 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 & 6:00 pm. Tickets start at $52.95 (including taxes & fees). FYI (630) 530-0111 or www.drurylanetheatre.com.