Mother Goose found herself in a dangerous position this past weekend as she attended the play “Sly Fox” at the Theatre of Western Springs. Fortunately, I survived. Gratefully, I lived to tell you about this experience. Thankfully, Mother Goose escaped the bawdiness of the Sly Fox. All part and parcel of a wonderful afternoon with fun people…
As many of my dear and faithful readers know, Mother Goose and her handsome husband, Mr. Mother Goose, do truly enjoy the occasional live theatrical performance. We seem naturally drawn to musical productions, but will attend just about any show that we are invited to. Such was the case this past Sunday. The kind and gentle cousin of Mr. Mother Goose and his gracious wife, heretofore to be named as John and Marlene, asked if we’d like to join them for the opening weekend matinee of this seriously funny play. Obviously and happily we responded with a resounding “yes”.
Here is a picture of the Theatre of Western Springs. As you can see, we are even further off Broadway than we’ve ever been before.
Waaaaay off Broadway in Western Springs, Illinois
We found our seats just before the curtains went up.
The story is adapted from the classic 17th century comedy, Volpone — and features the seven deadly sins: greed, lust, sloth, gluttony, wrath, envy and pride. Set in San Francisco’s Gold Rush Days, the satire immediately becomes farce as we get to know these despicable characters. The vaudevillian stage and scene changes were entertaining to say the least. But Mother Goose and her companions were aghast as the plot unfolded to reveal the depths of human nature in the acquisition of more, more, and still more.
Foxworthy Sly pretends to be on his deathbed. Only his lackey, Simon Able, knows his true intent of bilking his friends and associates of as much gold as possible. The story unravels quickly to reveal that all of these friends and associates of Foxworthy Sly are waiting for him to pass on so that he can pass on his accumulated fortune to each of them. They vie for the prime spot on his last will and testament, and “BFF” Able aids and abets each and every one in their attempts to impress the “dying” Sly Fox.
But oh dear, the ensuing innuendos as one friend offers his wife’s bedside charms to the poor dying man. Another writes his own son out of his will and replaces the heir as Sly himself. The shenanigans go on and on as the ancient accountant’s cane rises up between his legs at the thought of Sly’s fortune. The town floozie, Miss Fancy, is also after the chest full of gold, and slyly inserts the hand of old Crouch into her own ample chest in an effort to entice him to marriage. (By the way, she’s the spittin’ image of dear Mae West.)
Oh the farce of it all! We giggled nervously, we tittered embarrassingly, and sometimes we just roared out loud. We had such a fun time, and learned a few lessons along the way. What more can you ask? And again, there’s the blessing that Mother Goose did not fall into the clutches of the sly fox!
A tale of greed and lust -- be sooo careful.
John and Marlene, thanks for including us in this wonderful romp through the seven deadly sins. Next stop, Circle Theatre in Oak Park, not quite as far off Broadway as the Theatre of Western Springs.
Mother Goose Smiles 