ELIZABETH I; IN HER OWN WORDS – Written by Carol Levin; Directed by Sabin Epstein. Presented by BETC (Performed at the Dairy Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder and the Historic Elitch Theatre, 4600 West 37th Place, Denver) through September 21. Tickets available at Historicelitchtheatre.org.
It starts with a woman – tall, majestic, imposing, stately but weathered. She pauses in her reading of a small book in her hand. Pondering what she has read, she turns and notices the audience. A queen addresses her subjects. And the story begins. The story of Elizabeth in her own words and letters.
Tammy Meneghini, a treasured actress from Boulder, has created, with co-author Carol Levin, a portrait of a woman whose destiny was foretold before her birth. Born to the most notorious King of England by his most scandalous of wives, Elizabeth never had a chance at a normal life. Raised to the heights of royalty by the death of eligible relatives, she reigned over England for 44 years in what was considered a “Golden Age.” We find her in her chambers at Richmond Palace preparing for sleep and railing against the very fates that lifted her high and brought her down.
She speaks fondly of the love of her life, Robert Dudley and her reign as the Virgin Queen. She mourns the death of her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, her rival at times for the throne. She is familiar with the poems and plays of that young upstart William Shakespeare – especially when they express sentiments that correspond with her life and beliefs. She has lived a full triumphant life. She discusses it now with her subjects with humor, pride and some regret as she slowly frees herself from the constricting clothing, the rituals of royalty, and the memories of a solitary life.
Ms. Meneghini’s performance is riveting. She is angry, tired, sad, triumphant in battle, has opinions and regrets. Even now she knows her vanity is killing her. Whether you go in knowing anything about this woman, you leave with a richer understanding of the life and times in which she lived, her sacrifices, and, ultimately, her despair.
“But, wait,” you ask, “her performances in Boulder are over. Why are you telling me about a show I can’t see anymore?” Because . . . by the miracle of live theatre, ELIZABETH I will be repeated for two performances at the Historic Elitch Theatre on September 20 and 21. You have another chance! She will be joined by Carol Levin, her co-author, for talkbacks after each performance to explore Elizabeth’s life even further, how this presentation came to be, and future plans for the production.
A WOW factor of 8.75!