Valentino: a play in verse

theatre · david wisehart and rachel stoll · Ages 12+ · United States

world premiere
Add Your Review

Review by PAM NOLES

June 17, 2010
IMPORTANT NOTE: We cannot certify this reviewer attended a performances of this show because no ticket was purchased through this website or the producer has not verified they attended.

My overall impression

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).

Was this review helpful? yes · no