By Josh Flanders
Harken my friends come listen to this tale
A blonde young lass who’s anything but frail
Out selling fruit she’s noticed for her wits
And body parts which also rhyme with wits (hint: it’s tits)
For here’s a play romantic, quick, and bawdy
With lots of selfish royals dressed so gaudy
A woman rising up above her station
Who captivates the longings of a nation
Scarlett Strallen shines beyond compare
Her banter like hilarious warfare
She plays the lead of feisty Nelly Gwynn
Whose honesty breaks hearts she’s bound to win
Along with her, just closely second best,
Was Nancy, deadpanned Natalie West
Worthy of note a quite flamboyant fella
Crossdressing Edward played by sir Bedella
The playwright deft, is one Jessica Swale
Whose sharply worded puns did rarely fail
Actors making smart self-referential jokes
For audiences like their egos stroked
Liberals self-congratulatory laughs
For MAGA jokes whilst clapping their own calfs
And heaping on the final sugar granule
PETA’s dismay a small King Charles spaniel
Lo whilst costumes colorful and bright
Alight the stage and satisfy our sight
Whilst voices sing so merrily and gay
And quality of acting never stray
The story quite predictable and pat
Upon the patrons falls a trifle flat
Much like the Pepsi served outside the stage
Held back it was, no merits could assuage
Come out and see the tale of Nelly Gwynn
A pleasing night, ‘twill surely make you grin
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents “Nell Gwynn” by Jessica Swale playing through November 4 at CST’s Courtyard Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. More information and tickets available here Photos by Liz Lauren.
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