Review: Keala Settle Shines in ‘Mrs President’ at Charing Cross Theatre
In the captivating production “Mrs President,” audiences are introduced to the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Keala Settle. This play, written by John Ransom Phillips, unfolds in the tumultuous aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, focusing on Mary’s emotional journey and public image transformation.
Exploring Mary Todd Lincoln’s Life
The narrative centers on Mary Todd Lincoln as she grapples with her profound grief over losing her loved ones, particularly her son. Seeking help from renowned Civil War photographer Mathew Brady, played by Hal Fowler, Mary embarks on a quest to capture her true self through a portrait.
Direction and Performance
- Director: Bronagh Lagan directed the two-hander play, which delves into Mary’s struggles and her often vilified existence.
- Dynamic Relationship: The interactions between Brady and Lincoln showcase an intriguing power struggle, with Fowler effectively embodying the assertive photographer.
- Keala Settle’s Portrayal: Settle’s performance is marked by a wide emotional range, powerfully reflecting the resilience and sorrow of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Design and Production Elements
The production features strong design elements that enhance the storytelling. Anna Kelsey’s set design incorporates a large golden picture frame, aligning well with the play’s themes. The period-accurate costumes include elegant dresses for Mary, while the photography studio’s ambiance is created using simple wooden furniture and portraits adorning the walls. In addition, Derek Anderson’s lighting effectively uses intense bursts to evoke emotional transitions, further enhancing the drama.
Exploring Heavy Themes
While the play touches upon deep subjects such as mental health, child loss, slavery, and racism, these themes are only briefly examined. The script tends to remain at the surface level, reiterating familiar narratives about Mary Todd Lincoln without providing new insights into her identity beyond her roles as wife and mother.
Conclusion
Despite some compelling performances and strong visual elements, “Mrs President” falls short in its writing. The narrative does not fully capture the complexity of Mary Todd Lincoln’s legacy, leaving the audience wanting a deeper understanding of who she truly was. There remains potential for a more profound discussion surrounding her historical significance, but as it stands, the portrayal is somewhat lacking in depth.
