Review: 'The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial Of Miz Martha Washington' at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Photo: T. Charles Erickson

The play takes place at Mount Vernon, in 1800, a plantation where more than 300 slaves were enslaved. We are at the bedside of Martha Washington, the recently widowed “Mother of America” (the marvelous Nance Williamson). She lays in bed, seemingly at Death’s door. It was stipulated in her husband’s will that their slaves be liberated once she died. So, while the slaves go about their work, they wish for, and plot, the death that will set them free.

“I do believe you darkies are trying to kill me,” exclaims Martha Washington in this capricious historical play. She slips into a feverish dream in which her slaves coax, taunt, mock her, and finally put her on trial for her refusal to recognize right from wrong. What ensues is a playing out of several wild, humorous scenes and transitions, including a "Name that Revolutionary," a rowdy game show hosted by King George III and a bizarre mock slave auction in which Miz Washington herself is on the block,

Six versatile actors play Martha’s house slaves. They portray nearly twenty characters, each one a delight to watch.  Their use of contemporary, urban language adds to the dark humor. They show up as Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, Dolly Madison, England’s King George, Queen Charlotte, and even George Washington himself.

Ann Dandridge (The superb Britney Simpson) is Martha’s personal slave, and we discover that they are daughters of the same white man. What is more, Ann’s young son William is also Martha’s nephew. One of the several Washington family secrets in the play. Ann always knows her place and uses that knowledge to her best advantage. Ms. Simpson plays her with emotion, strength, and simplicity.

Doll (Cyndii Johnson), and Priscilla (Claudia Logan), Jesters of sorts, are as devilishly enjoyable as they are threatening. Both women possess a remarkable comic range, and they command our interest whenever they are on stage, embodying a myriad of characters. Tyler Fauntleroy is terrific as Ann’s young son, and as an eminent judge in a scene where the slaves put Martha on trial. Sucky Boy, (Ralph Adriel Johnson) whose nickname refers to when he refused to be weaned, is at once, sweet, clever, and ruthless. Each of his characters are fascinating to watch due to his winning talent. He plays a convincing silver-tongued lawyer who tries to help Martha see the truth. Davy, (Brandon St. Clair) is a marvelous presence on stage, he plays King George III for the TV game-show parody. He is frightening at times and comic at other times as he navigates through his characterizations.

Nance Williamson’s poignant performance as the dying Martha, brings a strong sense of reality to this eccentric play. She proclaims herself America’s mother, someone who “did right” by her slaves. She persists throughout the play, that she will not be frightened into freeing her slaves until after her death. She is masterfully in control whether it be in her impressive moments of strength or her frailer, more lamentable ones.

Taylor Reynolds has directed his cast with skillful aplomb. The fast-paced timing, the ever-interesting staging, and the sheer creativity of his choices all add up to a superbly entertaining and thoughtful production.

Sound Designer, Twi McCallum, and Lighting Designer, Reza Behjat, excellently depict both the dream world and real world. The music and sound bites harmonize well with the tone of the play, and the moody lighting complements the mystical, haunting spirit of the show. Kudos to Costume Designer, Hahnji Jang, whose cleverly and clearly conceived designs, ranging from funky to lush are impressive. Properties Designer, Joshua Yocom, whose sparse but realistic wooden furnishings and the many creatively imaginative props, intrigued us throughout.

Great job by Dramaturg, Martine Green-Rogers; Intimacy Director, Teniece Divya Johnson; Production Stage Manager, Janelle Caso and Stage Manager Roxana Khan, for their important and well-realized work on this production.

A Must see! James Ijames’ play is brilliantly written, entertaining, and emotionally persuasive. As The Director said in his notes: “I hope this production thrusts you into questioning the practices we accept because it’s just the way things are. How do we stretch our imaginations past the structures we’ve accepted as normal and reach for something that gets us all free? And what are you willing to give up to help us all get there?” 

Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.  Through July 30th.

HVSF shows are presented on the beautiful grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens. From the open tent one can revel in the beautiful riverscape and mountains of the Hudson River Valley.

Coming up next is THE TEMPEST By William Shakespeare and Directed by Ryan Quinn

HVSF Theater Tent at Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route NY-9D. Garrison, NY 10524
845.265.9575 or boxoffice@hvshakespeare.org.