SHE AIN’T LITTLE AND SHE AIN’T NO FELLOW!
The Little Fellow is playwright Kate Hamill’s account of the life of the infamous high-society seÓ³ worker Harriette Wilson (1786 – 1845). Harriette counted many of England’s nobility among her clientele. She was known to be a savvy, wise-mouthed, outspoken individual and found men who liked that quality in her. The play primarily explores her downfall when, upon recognizing that she was approaching the latter days of desirability, she accepts a nobleman’s offer of an annuity, such that she would be just his to visit. When he essentially renegs (offering her a ridiculous small sum she couldn’t possibly live on), she threatens to pen a memoir exposing his kinks. He retaliates by making sure none of her clients visit her again, leaving her suddenly without income. How does this bold, conniving woman handle it? That’s the drama to come see.
Harriette was no blushing wallflower, often dressing in men’s clothing (thus the title) and stepping comfortably into dominatrix role play. Keiko Green (author of Cygnet’s gripping Sharon earlier this year) is mesmerizing as Harriette. In Green’s excellent portrayal, we can see the mind’s wheels turning, though we never know what will come out of her unpredictable mouth. Although she frequently lets loose with lines that could have made George Carlin blush, the ultimate stream of vulgarity comes from her frenemy Julia (Sofia Jean Gomez) who unleashes a full-out, insane rant at Harriett that stopped the show.
Playing several different men (and one woman), mostly clientele of hers, is MJ Sieber who is so diverse in his portrayals that I expected one more man to come out at curtain calls before realizing the were ALL him. Rounding out the cast is Rachael VanWormer who steals several great moments as Harriette’s loyal low-status maid, Mary. Mary provides a wonderful contrast to Harriette, who audibly declares her right to the riches these men have while never seeing Mary as being worthy as well. Director Rob Lufty makes comfortable use of the space to add humor and effect as the foursome switch roles. The choice of a fog machine late in the show might have been overkill, since thin fog filled Cygnet for the rest of the show after the effect’s reason had passed.
Much of this captivating drama feeds off the theme of fairness in society or, rather, the great lack thereof. Hamill’s script has us changing our mind frequently about whom we are rooting for; it’s both hard to actually like Harriette and hard not to admire her sometimes. One will likely both feel for her main male client and detest him. We’re caused to examine the inequity of roles, the security of confidences, and notion of worthiness.
If you are squeamish, timid or easily offended (I was surprised we didn’t lose a few patrons in the opening’s highly seÓ³ual scene), go anyway. With four terrific performances, this clever historical fiction is gripping. And bravo to Cygnet for not shying away from a quality script that pushes the envelope pretty hard.
photos by Karli Cadel Photography
The Little Fellow (Or The Queen of Tarts Tells All)
Cygnet Theatre Company
Old Town Theater, 4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Wed thru Sat at 7; Sat & Sun at 2
ends on November 19, 2023
for tickets (starting at $27), call 619.337.1525 or visit Cygnet