BWW Reviews: 'TIS A PITY SHE'S A WHORE (Lake Effect Fringe Festival)

"Hey, little sister, what have you done?" As part of their "Bard on the Run" series, and in conjunction with the Lake Effect Fringe Festival, the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company is performing John Ford's darkly comedic 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, for this weekend only.

The story revolves around two 'star-crossed lovers', Giovanni and Annabella, who are young, passionately in love, and, most unfortunately, brother and sister. Battling both their desires and their shame, this unlikely love affair divides and scandalizes the well-to-do citizens of Parma. With the company's sparkling accents of anachronistic humor and the well-placed plot twists and turns provided by Ford, the story is riveting and by the final scenes, the once-deplorable incest seems less condemnable and more heart-rending, with the downfalls of otherwise noble characters.

Due to the immense popularity of Shakespeare, John Ford, an Elizabethan playwright whose work appeared during the same time frame as that of The Bard, is rarely seen. This is unfortunate, as audiences are missing out on a story that is well-deserved in its controversy, and yet plays upon the universal themes of love in its many forms, relationships, and suffering as a human condition.

Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, by re-creating performance and rehearsal conditions experienced by actors in the 17th century, creates a exceptional theatrical environment where the sets are sparse, the costumes minimal, and performances electric. Energy and spontaneity reign supreme as tempers and tension build until the inevitable violent conclusion, where love and revenge stab one in the heart.

Presented by Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, as part of the Lake Effect Fringe Festival, at Dog Story Theater; (616) 425-9234. Through February 23rd. Mature content and themes.

WITH: Chaz Albright (Grimaldi / Lady / Banditti ), Kate Bode (Putana / Officer), Jason Flannery (Richardetto), Brooke Heintz (Friar / Donado), Kat Hermes (Annabella), Scott Lange (Vasquez / Bergetto ), Katherine Mayberry (Hippolita / Poggio / Banditti), Amy Mcfadden (Philotis / Cardinal / Lady), Owen McIntee (Giovanni), Chris Teller (Florio), Kyle Westmaas (Soranzo)