Into The Breeches! (International City Theatre 2023 Production) Theatre Review

production photo by Kayte Deioma

During World War II, when most of the men were off fighting in one or another branch of the military, women took over many roles and positions previously held by men. Different aspects of that experience have been explored in films like Swing Shift and A League Of Their Own, and in the absolutely wonderful play Into The Breeches!, which premiered in 2018, and is now being performed at the International City Theatre in Long Beach. Written by George Brant, this play takes place in 1942, and depicts the efforts of Maggie Dalton to keep the local theatre going while the men are overseas, and in doing so discovers her own voice and creative vision. Though it takes place eighty years ago, this play clearly addresses topics that are current, when women’s rights are still not set in stone, when their equality is not fully accepted, when misogyny and racism are again on the rise. The play is funny, warm, spirited, and at times incredibly moving, and this production features a stellar cast.

As it opens, Maggie (Meghan Andrews) enters alone, steps downstage and begins to recite the first speech from Henry The Fifth: “O, for a muse of fire that would ascend/The brightest heaven of invention.” It is interesting that because the play takes place largely in a theatre, the stage sometimes functions as an actual stage, as it does here in these opening moments. And so the theatre audience is actually in the theatre of the world of the play, bringing us closer to the play’s action. When Celeste (Leslie Stevens) enters, it is through the audience, and once she steps onto the stage she grows in stature and power. And in ego, for she thinks that Maggie is considering having her do a one-woman show of the various roles she has brought to life. She is hilarious as she takes control of the scene. When Maggie tells her she plans on going through with the season as planned, which begins with a four-hour amalgamation of the two Henry The Fourth plays and Henry The Fifth, with herself directing, Celeste tells her she lacks the authority to direct a play, and flat-out tells her that a male authority is required. But it is not long before Celeste sees herself as the lead, Prince Hal. She is hilarious as she exits, repeating “Farewell,” each time dipping a bit lower in register, already preparing for her role. And, as she soon reveals, Maggie plans on following her husband Andrew’s notes on directing the play. So, in essence, at this point it is still a man’s vision that will be realized.

She first, however, has to convince Mr. Snow (Nicholas Hormann) to fund the production, as he has decided to cancel the season, to go dark as had many other theatres. Maggie proves herself resourceful and able to think on her feet, when she decides the way to rope in Mr. Snow is by promising his wife Winifred (Holly Jeanne) a role in the play. Not many other women show up for the auditions, but even that doesn’t dissuade Maggie from pursuing her goal. And we see immediately during the audition process that Maggie can give direction, when she gives a pointer to June (Brooke Olivia Gatto), one of only two women who audition. The other woman, Grace (Emilie Doering), turns out to have natural talent, and it is soon clear that she would make a great Prince Hal. Having so few cast members means Maggie taking on a role or two herself, including the Chorus. And so she again delivers the “O for a muse of fire” lines.

As they begin the rehearsals, it is quickly apparent that the newcomers don’t quite understand the language, so Maggie’s task seems to be even greater. And of course outside concerns come into the theatre. How could they not, when the women’s husbands are at war, and those at home are expected to do their part in the war effort? Maggie is not alone in this endeavor, however. Stuart (Lee James) is the stage manager, and Ida (Sydney A. Mason) is the theatre’s costumer, and Maggie comes to rely on them both for more than their normal roles. And those two characters end up providing a lot of the heart of the production, as well as raise other important issues (which, sadly are still timely). June, the most gung-ho of the cast with regards to the war effort, suddenly demands to know why Stuart has not enlisted, and Maggie must face some of her own prejudices when Ida wishes to become part of the cast.

A great deal of the production’s humor comes from the characters of Celeste and Winifred. Celeste is determined to help get the newcomers into the right frame of mind by teaching them to walk like men, even having Ida create special pieces for them, leading to one of the funniest scenes of the performance. Holly Jeanne is absolutely fearless and delightful as she especially enjoys the feeling of this new accessory, even opining that she might need a bigger one. As funny as this production is, and there are a lot of laughs here, it is also quite moving. There are the moments one would expect where the women worry because they have not heard from their husbands. Grace and Maggie have a particularly touching scene that will likely bring tears to your eyes. But in addition to that, and to the equally moving moments regarding Ida’s spirit and Stuart’s spirit, what is particularly effective and moving is the way this group comes together and triumphs. The St. Crispin’s Day speech from Henry The Fifth is used in a way similar to that in Shakespeare’s work, and its effect plays not just upon the characters but upon those in the audience as well. You may very well come out of the theatre feeling like you can overcome odds in your own lives. It ends as it began, with Maggie on stage saying, “O for a muse of fire.”

By the way, you do not need an extensive knowledge of Shakespeare’s work to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this play. While, yes, there are references to his work sprinkled throughout (as when Stuart uses the first line of Macbeth’s “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” speech to spur Maggie to action), the play does not rely on them to make its point or for its emotional impact. This play is about moving ahead, facing change, overcoming obstacles, working together, and even dealing with aging, all things that any audience can understand and appreciate. And the cast does a phenomenal job.

This production of Into The Breeches! is directed by Brian Shnipper. It runs through June 25, 2023. Visit the theatre’s website for the complete schedule. There is one fifteen-minute intermission, and it comes after Maggie tells her cast to take a fifteen-minute break, which is delightful. International City Theatre is located at Beverly O’Neill Theater, at 330 E. Seaside Way in Long Beach, California.