iambe theatre's "Love's Labour's Lost" is a veritable hit!

iambe theatre has done it again! The 100 minute production of “Love’s Labour’s Lost” adheres to their mission statement of providing high-quality theatre that focuses on the exploration of the human condition with an emphasis on the under represented, particularly women of all ages. And director Lisa Dawn’s adaptation has made Shakespeare’s rom-com “Love’s Labour’s Lost” a veritable hit! 

As Dawn states, the play is perfect for an all-female debut. "We offer it to you as an act of joy, of rebellion against the constant state of the world and of love." Dawn originated her adaption during COVID with No Beard Shakespeare – the play was a virtual reading and pandemic experiment. iambe’s artistic director, Doreen Dawson said that iambe and Dawn "bonded through creativity, laughter, and love of Shakespeare’s words… Exploring the timeless, complexities of love, learning, lush language, and what it means to be human."

Lisa Dawn (left) as Berowne and Laura Leonardo
Ownby as the King are tempted by the charm, 
beauty, wit and intelligence of Tina Shelley's
Princess of France, Heidi Swarthout's brassy
Rosaline and the other ladies that come to court.

Dawn is joined and supported by a creative 18-member production team of artists and technicians. A simplistic and functional scenic design of statuary and benches by Mike Boyna sets “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in the courtyard of the king of Navarre with lighting design by Bob Haddleton and further enhancement with the sound design of Dave Amato and wonderful original music by Willa Zatzenbloom. A world that is both modern and timeless is complimented by the costume designs of Tiffany Jasinski, and hair and makeup by Morgan Dietkus. Fight choreography by Andrew Trygstad and uplifting dance choreography by Paige Coe add to the enjoyment of this production which stage manager Maureen Corcoran keeps smoothly running. 

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” deals with the themes of love and human relationships as the story of Ferdinand, the King of Navarre, and his three Lords, take a vow: no more romantic pursuits, no women, and no distractions. Just scholarly study for three years. “The mind shall banquet, the body fast.” Ah yes, but the Princess of France and her ladies arrive (“it was quite forgot”) on a diplomatic visit on the Princess’s father’s behalf. The real education! 

In past productions of “Love’s Labour’s Lost”, Shakespeare’s characters were thinly developed, i.e. men were juvenile, women all knowing. But in Dawn’s adaptation, we witness characters of richer personalities. And Dawn has cast well. This production showcases an animated and strong female cast of 16. They are all prolific in their verbal, physical, and emotive abilities. Although be forewarned, the clever wordplay may be difficult to understand at times, but that Shakespeare’s fault. Everyone gets their moment to shine, although there are many potential scene stealers: Kristi Contreary’s sweet, youthful and perky Moth; Tammy White’s underrated clown and fool, Costard; Maureen Morley is right out of a Western as Constable Dull; and Lisa Dawn’s relatable lover, the rebellious and skeptical of the oath, Berowne. But none so much as Doreen Dawson’s brilliant Don Adriano de Armado, the comic Spanish lord admired by the king and his lords for his verbosity. You don’t want Dawson to exit the stage, and what a perfect costume of velvet and ruffles. 

This adaptation is definitely a rom-com, but providing much of the drama are Laura Leonardo Ownby’s tall and elegant king; Tina Shelley as the cheeky and proud intelligent Princess of France, who by the way is never named, and Amber Cartwright’s Longaville and Paige Coe’s Dumaine, lords who take the oath but also succumb to love. Sheri Warren's Boyet is wise, protective, and a mentor to the Princess and her ladies. Warren easily commands the stage. 

There is also an incredibly charming supportive cast: Elizabeth Dawson as Maria and Bailey Angel as Katherine expertly play the flirtatious ladies accompanying the Princess of France. Along with Heidi Swarthout’s brassy and witty Rosaline
, they catch the Lord’s fancy. Becky Crawford and Pam Turlow appear later in the play as Sir Nathaniel and Sir Holofernes respectively. Both are scholarly additions that provide more comic relief. And although the role may be considered minor, Olivia Kaye’s Jaquenetta is a joy of twirling skirts and hair in her portrayal of a wench with a surprise. 

The best scenes are when the infatuated lords and King discover they have each broken their oath; the confrontation between the women and the men, of course, disguised; and the silent ending scenes that summarizes the future of these characters. 

To paraphrase actress Elizabeth Dawson, come and enjoy the SHE-nanigans…. but you only have until October 19 to engage! 

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LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST
iambe theatre ensemble
THROUGH October 19 

Tickets: tinyurl.com/2tvyuzhh
$22 - $24
Elgin Art Showcase, Eighth floor 164 Division St., Elgin

Regina Belt Daniels has been writing reviews for more than 11 years, most recently for the Shaw Local News Network. She has also held board positions for the Raue Center for the Arts, Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission, Townsquare Players, and RCLPC Theater. She has directed, stage-managed or acted in more than 40 productions.