For its third production of the 2018-19 season, Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples’ premiere professional regional theatre, explores timely topics of equality and freedom through a historic and comedic lens with “The Revolutionists.” Written by America’s most-popular playwright, Lauren Gunderson, and set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, “The Revolutionists” tells the story of an unlikely alliance between four historical, iconic women. Directed by Gulfshore Playhouse Founder and Producing Artistic Director Kristen Coury, the French fantasy takes the stage Jan. 12 to Feb. 3.

 

“The Revolutionists” opens audiences to the often untold, female side of historic and chaotic events during the French Revolution. Gunderson has imagined a provocative plot, bringing together four historic female figures – Queen Marie Antoinette, assassin Charlotte Corday, playwright Olympe de Gouges, and spy Marianne Angelle. As they try to find comfort and support in each other, a fifth counterpart on stage – the guillotine – is a subtle, constant reminder of the history they can’t change. Powerful, yet funny, this fantasy-comedy is a call to action, tackling topics the world still struggles with today.

 

“It’s actually based on a totally true story, which I found inspiring, shocking and really curious. The main tone of the play is going to feel like this combination of what you might hear in 1793 and a really modern, edgy, rebellious, Tina Fey-Amy Poehler, rolling kind of humor,” Gunderson said. “I felt that was the way to make it engaging, fast, funny and surprising.”

 

Taking on these fiercely passionate roles are cast members Marina Shay, who is making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut and appeared in Gunderson’s “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Dria Brown, who starred in the national tour of “Hamlet/Saint Joan” and the Off-Broadway production of “Ain’t No Mo’”; Shannon Marie Sullivan, whose TV credits include “Law and Order: SVU,” “Blacklist: Redemption,” “The Good Wife,” and “The Rewrite” with Hugh Grant; and Angela Janas, who previously appeared at Gulfshore Playhouse in “The Merchant of Venice” and “Starcrossed” and the Off-Broadway production of “Stuffed.”

 

Playwright Lauren Gunderson was named the most produced playwright in America by “American Theatre” magazine for the 2017-2018 season, with plays staged almost twice as often as anyone else on the list. She has 27 productions – eight of which she has co-written – including “I and You,” “The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful and Her Dog!,” “Bauer,” and “Silent Sky.”

 

In addition to Gunderson and Coury, the creative team for “The Revolutionists” includes Scenic Designer Kristen Martino, Costume Designer Robin L. McGee, Sound Designer Beth Lake and

Lighting Designer Jimmy Lawlor.

 

Evening shows begin at 8 p.m.; matinees begin at 3 p.m. Show subscriptions are available and include priority seating, exclusive events, and discounted pricing. Tickets begin at $42; all tickets are $35 two hours before a performance. For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or contact 866-811-4111.

 

Free pre-show discussions take place Jan. 13, 16, 27, and 30, where Gulfshore Playhouse artistic staff lead conversations about themes and topics related to the production. Audience members can also stick around for post-show conversations on Jan. 17 and 20.

 

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. The Playhouse’s work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

 

This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor – the creation of a cultural landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for the new Gulfshore Playhouse Theatre and Education Center at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South, which will include two theatres and an education wing to support programming for children, adults, and families.

 

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).