Into the Breeches Harbinger Theatre at the Albany Barn in Albany, N.Y. Written by George Brant, directed by Lauren D.
Annibale “Ladies! Walk!” Considering his estimable history as a playwright and award winner, it feels odd to me that I had never heard of George Brant before this year when his opera “Grounded,” written with composer Jeannine Tesori for the Metropolitan Opera and based on his play of the same name which had been directed by Julie Taymore starring Anne Hathaway , opened this autumn. Having authored at least a dozen plays, Brant’s “Into the Breeches” had been performed at Trinity Playhouse in Providence, R.I.
, which leant some of its history to the creation of the play. Those specific references have been altered by Albany’s Harbinger Theatre to reflect historic Albany, which makes this production more relevant to local audiences. Featuring six women and two men, this show brings to mind Shakespeare & Company’s recent production of “The Contention,” a combination of elements in the three Henry IV plays by that author.
Shakes & Company has always mixed genders and races in their acting company, and in this play, set in 1942, a time when men were scarce during World War II, Brant has given his premier character, Maggie (wife of the theater’s artistic director), the opportunity to do just that. She has decided on an all-female cast performing his version of the Henry plays. With the help of her stage manager, Stuart, she sets out to do what .
