Valentino: a play in verse

If you’re wondering “what is this, exactly?” It’s absolutely riveting, that’s what it is. The story – pulled from true events – is excellent, filled with political and personal intrigue, high drama and some seriously bad-ass wordsmithing.

Do not be intimidated by it all being in verse; it flows with the ease of conversation. You can follow the story without getting tripped up in “I’m listening to poetry.”

Costuming and period-accurate weaponry, not so much, but that is easily overlooked.

Particularly effective were Renato Biribin Jr. (Valentino), Summer Dare Litwin (Borgia, who absolutely slayed with her “bloody hand of God” speech) and Neil Fleischer (Pope).