[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of The Fighting Quaker, written by the late Ann Matlack DeLaurentiis and Tricia Aurand, directed by Bryan Rasmussen, and celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
In 1776, Timothy Matlack inscribed the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence. This wonderful play, The Fighting Quaker, tells his story. From debtors’ prison to the hallowed halls of the Second Continental Congress, Timothy Matlack, purely on a recommendation from his friend Benjamin Franklin, became a part of the history of this country. Even if he has since been sadly overlooked. But this play attempts to put right that mistake and reminds us that it is always those behind the scenes, working hard with often little praise or recognition, who really can change the world…hopefully for the better.
This wonderful production, filled with excellent performances by a group of truly fine actors, was such a gift, especially as I am a very recently awarded US citizen. This country has always been a puzzle for me. Coming from England, I sometimes felt a little like the enemy within, given the beginnings of this nation. But the more you understand, the more you read and listen and engage with the wonderful variety of people now living here, and even when there are things to strive to change, in the end, there is much to love about this country.
Timothy Matlack was a colonel in the War of Independence, and he crossed the Delaware beside his comrades and stood against slavery. He was a businessman, and like so many since his business failed, which is what landed him in debtors’ prison. But once released, he worked hard, rebuilt his life again and became a celebrated businessman and politician, when it wasn’t such a bad profession. Eventually, he was called to write the first copy of the paper that started a nation.
What a wonderful way to promote the better parts of America than to find stories that can connect us all like this. Written by the late Tricia Aurand and Ann Marlack DeLaurentiis, who was a direct descendant of Timothy Matlack, her daughter and producer, Suzanne Matlack DeLaurentiis, now has the honor of bringing this play, written more than 50 years ago, to life once again.
Casting this play must have been a marvelous experience, and I confess I was thrilled to see some familiar faces, particularly the wonderful Vito D’Ambrosio. As a theatre critic and a huge lover of theatre of every kind and every size, I admit it was a particular thrill to see this play at El Portal. It’s this wonderful theatre’s 100th birthday this year and what a perfect place to see The Fighting Quaker in all its splendor. Beautifully costumed and with the simplest and cleverest of staging, this play becomes all about the characters and the performances of the actors. Supported, of course, by the truly fantastic director Bryan Rasmussen of the Whitefire Theatre. Talk about a theatre lover!!!
Finding these stories that are not well known but were absolutely vital to the founding of this country in the 250th year of its birth is imperative if we are to fight, as this Quaker once did to adhere to its original truth, that all men are created equal. Although I would like to suggest an amendment to that particular statement, rather than all people are created equal.
Bravo to a wonderful cast and fascinating and important story brought to life!
The Crew:
Stage manager Mitch Rosander, Art Director/producer Dale Fabrigar, lighting designer Derrick McDaniel, projection design Gabrieal Griego
The Cast:
Dahlia Guigui, Christopher Hoffman, John F. Thomas, Aubrey Wakeling, Davyd Markovich, Harry Murphy, Bradley Ash, Preslea Elliot, Marcos James, Paul McCrillis, Esther Guigui, Brady Gentry, Ian Stanley, Christopher Dukes, Matthew Payne, Brad Koepernick, Kevin Bohleber, Vito D’Ambrosio.