Why oh why did Arena Stage bring You, Nero to Washington DC theater audiences? I know this wonderful theater strives to present American plays by American Playwrights, but really!
Maybe if Stephen Sondheim was asked to do another A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, it would have worked.
It's a play with shtick, more shtick, and finally, more shtick!
It reminded me of a bad "Saturday Night Live" skit. Here's the premise. Emperoro Nero kills people. Lots of people. He's a tyrant. One tries not to be killed. He loves the arts. He hires an playwright to save his empire. There's blood. Body parts are thrown in the air. He sleeps with two women scantilly clad. There are inside jokes about the theater. But...I just didn't laugh.
Jeff McCarthy plays the role of the playwright. I'll see anything McCarthy does ever since his incredible role of Office Lockstock in the Broadway hit Urinetown. You can't fault him for the lines he's forced to recite.
Danny Scheie was made to play this character Nero. Both McCarthy had done this play before and I assume they enjoy it.
Nancy Robinette gives it her all playing Nero's mother who Nero has murdered. Isn't this funny?
The always terrific Laurence O'Dwyer gets to use various wigs and gets some laughs. He even gets to do the wave sitting in the audience. Isn't that funny??
There's even a character to play Fabio (or Fabiolo) played by Kasey Mahaffy. I was waiting for him to add "Can you believe this is not butter?"
To sume up the comedy, an alliagator chases a Jehovah's Witness. Are you laughing yet?
You, Nero plays until January 1. For tickets call 202-488-3300 or visit www.arenastage.org.
cgshubow@broadwayworld.com
Photo Credit: Scott Suchman
