Providence, 1942: Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war. Determined to press on, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henry V, assembling an increasingly unexpected team united in desire, if not actual theater experience. Together they deliver a delightful celebration of collaboration and persistence when the show must go on! A surprisingly modern and moving comedy about the singular way art and community reveal our boldest selves even in the darkest times.
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For this production, we are joining with the Rhode Island Daughters of the American Revolution for a letter-writing campaign. We will be writing letters in the theater and online to send to active duty Rhode Islanders who are deployed. For more information please click here.
Buzz
"Trinity Rep has turned its attention to a gem of a play, one of the sweetest nights of theater you’re likely to see this season."
"The play itself is thought-provoking and heartwarming, and would likely be good on any stage, but these performances click so perfectly that the whole experience is like a breath of fresh air that will leave one smiling like a dope at the end."
"The show will make you laugh out loud, clap enthusiastically and shed a tear or two - no small feat. This show-within-a-show is a must see and a great break from the winter doldrums."
"Of the four Brant plays that have been produced locally, 'Into the Breeches' is the best. It is a pleasant blend of humor and history that illuminates humanity’s frailty and steadfast resolve."
"The entire ensemble were stars unto themselves as they each possessed the talent to bring the focus on the unique and quirky characters they portrayed...George Brant has wrapped [the conflicts] in a very funny, fluffy blanket without trivializing their importance."
It’s 1942 and the Oberon Theater, known for its Shakespearean productions, has lost its men to the war efforts. The company’s diva Celeste claims she is “an unwatered flower” withering away without the laughter, tears, and applause of her audience. But Maggie, the director’s wife, has other ideas. With her husband’s blessing, she sets out to move forward with their originally planned production of The Henriad – a combination of Henry IV and Henry V – with all the parts being played by the women of the company.
Initially skeptical, Celeste soon signs on – thrilled at the notion of taking of juicy new roles. The Board President, Ellsworth Snow, is harder to convince. He is concerned about the audience – half of them are away at war and the ones who are left aren’t in the mood for entertainment. He is concerned for the future of their theater – an untested director and women pretending to be men will certainly tarnish the esteemed organization’s reputation for years. Maggie counters that this play’s themes of patriotism, sacrifice and victory are just what the audience needs. Ellsworth remains unconvinced – until his beloved wife – the timid and inexperienced wife Winifred expresses an interest in being in the cast.
The auditions however are sparsely attended with only two new cast members, June and Grace, on board. With the assistance of Ida, who handles costumes, and Stage Manager Stuart, Maggie begins rehearsals with the small and enthusiastic, though novice, cast. As they make their way through rehearsals, they gain a few unexpected cast members but lose – and eventually regain – their star over “artistic differences.”
The women make their way through rehearsals, incorporating clever tips to help their strides become more masculine, and finding ways to make dear Winifred funny. All the while, they miss their husbands and long for word from the front. Other injustices of the outside world – most notably, blatant racism – also make their way into the lives of the cast.
The cast pushes forward – finding strength in each other and their common goal. Together they find the courage to go boldly “into the breeches!”
