R-ACT Theatre Productions, winner of Best Theater Production in Pittsburgh City Paper’s 2024 Best of PGH Reader’s Poll for their March production of So, There’s a Leprechaun Now?, presents The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson. Directed by Brooke Echnat, this comedy-drama follows four strong women during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.
The Revolutionists features three real-life women of the French Revolution: playwright Olympe de Gouges, played by Rhonny Dam (New Castle); assassin Charlotte Corday, played by Sarah Baker (Bloomfield), and Queen Marie Antoinette, played by Jenn Rian (Beaver Falls). The fourth character, Marianne Angelle, is an amalgamation of the many heroic Black women involved in the Haitian Revolution and a symbolic embodiment of “La Marianne,” the French personification of freedom. Myriah Cross of Pittsburgh, who portrays Marianne, describes her character as a brave, strong woman who never gives up and always speaks her mind. “She may seem tough on the outside, but on the inside, she has a warm heart and cares deeply about her friends and family.” Together, these four women face the challenge of shaping their legacies amid the chaos and violence of revolutionary Paris.
While Dam, Cross, and Baker make their R-ACT debut in this production, it marks Rian’s 16th show with the company. She says, “It’s been exciting to see everyone come together to work on this production. Newcomer Baker states, “R-ACT has been very welcoming. The people here are very kind, and I could not be happier that this is the first community theater I have worked with.”
Director Brooke Echnat (Pittsburgh), also new to R-ACT, emphasized the timeliness of this production, stating, “The Revolutionists is a play about fighting for justice, equality, standing strong in your beliefs, and sisterhood. The play is set in Revolutionary France, yet the problems and injustices plaguing the women of this time period still strongly exist today. It makes us question how far we have come? This story reminds us that there is much more work to be done, it fuels us to keep fighting and shows us that we are stronger and our voices are louder when we stand together.” Dam agrees, adding, “It’s astounding that we as women are still dealing with some of the same issues today, as experienced in this play.”
The Revolutionists is described as a “girl-powered comedy” by Dramatists Play Service, and that spirit is reflected in this production’s largely female-led team. Women take on almost every role, from stage management to sound design, scenic artistry, photography, and costumes. Echnat expressed her pride in working with the all-female cast and crew, stating, “The entire team working on this show is so passionate about this story and its messages. I hope our audiences can see and feel that passion when they see the show.” This emphasis on women’s contributions, both on and off the stage, mirrors the play’s central themes of empowerment and solidarity.
The Segriff Stage is an intimate 50-seat black box theater, and the set for this production is minimalist. Rian noted, “The story is about these four women, their relationships with each other, and their relationship to the revolution. It doesn’t need elaborate sets. Brooke’s vision for this piece focuses back on the characters.” A guillotine on a platform looms over Olympe’s study, dressed simply with an 18th-century settee, a desk, and books and papers scattered about. A mural on the back wall reads ” Vive la Révolution.”
The Revolutionists is more than just a history lesson—it’s a fiercely funny and unexpectedly poignant exploration of revolution, friendship, and the power of women’s voices. The play pulls the audience in with witty dialogue and sharp humor before delivering moments of real emotional weight. Director Echnat remarked, “Putting this play on right now, weeks before one of the most important and impactful presidential elections, feels like a revolutionary act in itself.” It’s a comedy with bite, and as Dam says, “Oh—and it’s FUNNY! You’re definitely going to want to see this one.”
TICKETS AND DETAILS
The play will be staged at the Segriff Stage, located at 134 Brighton Ave, Rochester, PA 15074, on October 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on October 13 at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Tickets for The Revolutionists are priced at $12 and can be purchased online now at ractproductions.showclix.com. More information is available at ractproductions.com or via email at ractproductions@gmail.com. Please note that tickets are available online only, with no sales at the door.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Preview
Leave a Reply Cancel reply