SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the final dress rehearsal Wednesday night of The Revolutionists, by playwright Lauren Gunderson, in the historic Boathouse Theatre. My friends Carol Spreckelsen Foster and Kelly Smith Cassidy joined me. I must give them both credit for helping me write this review. It was an emotional evening, to say the least. This sophisticated, wordy play is complicated and very timely, considering what’s happening in our world right now. This is not a period play; it is a statement that history is doomed to repeat itself.
Director Meg Peart’s artistic choices extend well beyond the performances. The set itself seems to tell a parallel story. On the left side of the stage, the decor is elaborate and specific to the 1793 timeline, while the right side is sparse and depressing. Left side, empowered; right side, disempowered. From joy and happiness to fear and sadness, the actors’ movement about the stage helps define the greater movement that is taking place in the world at that time. Oh, and the lighting is its own character. Well done!
The casting is superb. Four veteran female actors chew up the lines in this dark comedy. Kelly put it so aptly, “They broke through the fourth wall!” The play is historically accurate and is emotionally and physically draining–I was exhausted as an audience member, so I can only imagine the intensity that the actors experience.
Stephanie Grigsby as Olympe de Gouges is a powerhouse to watch. There is almost a Shakespearean quality to the attention she gives to each emotional beat.
Courtney Cobble’s performance as Marianne Angelle is poignant and nuanced; she communicates the seriousness of Marianne’s calling without sacrificing the character’s humanity. (Thank you, Kelly, for your insightful words!)
Joanie San Agustin as Charlotte Corday portrays a feisty, determined real-life revolutionary. Truly an outstanding performance.
Marie Antoinette is played by Ginger Nicolay-Davis. Need I say more?!
The costuming of these outspoken ladies further enhances the role of class and privilege in this era. All four are fighting for their lives, whether in a pompadour wig or simple peasant dress. Kudos to Meg and the cast for the attention to detail that helped bring the four women’s stories to life. It takes courage to produce a work like this for a local stage. This play is provocative and compelling, with the cast and crew taking creative risks to make a very serious statement. Women have come a long way since 1793 in their fight for equality, although the same issues are present today.
The rain had finally stopped as the play came to an end. We all hugged each other as we realized how fortunate we are to live in such a safe and special place with so much talent to share! Bravo, Ladies!!
The Revolutionists runs October 22 to November 1, 2026.
October 23-25 – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 29-31 – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
November 1 – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit www.valhallatahoe.com.
-Photos and story by Michelle Gomez, Tahoe Art League
