A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Richard III set in an American high school, Mike Lew’s Teenage Dick (★★★☆☆) scores points off the wit and accuracy of its title alone. And Moritz von Stuelpnagel’s production at Woolly Mammoth keeps scoring with the play’s acerbically funny depiction of just how petty and ruthless this teenage dick can be. With teenage Richard, however, it’s not his disability that deforms his virtue, but his vindictive response to how others have treated him — or, to his mind, dismissed him — due to his CP. Mozgala, who originated the role in von Stuelpnagel’s 2018 Ma-Yi Theater Company production at New York’s Public Theater, makes Richard dastardly and funny, believably embittered by years of atomic wedgies. Teenage Dick runs through October 17 at Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St NW.

Source: MetroXpress October 01, 2021 15:52 UTC