Nicholas Rose (The Inventor) plays William Moulton Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman, in the world premiere of Carson Kreitzer’s Lasso of Truth, now playing at Marin Theatre Company through March 16.
[rating:5] (5/5 stars)
Lasso of Truth by Carson Kreitzer is a multi-media theatrical event which explores the history of Wonder Woman from her creator as a comic book super heroine to her lasting influence in American pop culture.
This production makes ample use of video by Kwame Braun with panels showing illustrator Jacob Stoltz’ comic book versions of each of the characters. Narration boxes in the style of super hero comics list scenes taking place in completely different decades. There are also video clips of Gloria Steinem who put Wonder Woman on the cover of an early issue of Ms. magazine.
In Lasso of Truth, a contemporary young woman (Lauren English) is close to finding an ultra rare comic book published in 1946 containing the first appearance of Wonder Woman. But as she does, she must untangle the history behind her childhood idol’s controversial creator, William Marston (Nicholas Rose) and his unorthodox family. Marston also created the first polygraph machine (the lie detector); he lived with two women—his wife (Jessa Brie Moreno) and a grad student (Liz Sklar). They all lived together openly during the 1930’s-1940’s. These women were his models for Wonder Woman.
The other half of the story takes place in the 1990’s as a young woman (Lauren English) gets involved with a collector of rare comics (John Riedlinger). He loves Wonder Woman as much as she does and claims to have the valuable first edition she wants.
Very sharply directed by Jasson Minadakis, this play packs smart and challenging dialog concerning many important issues such as patriarchy, feminism, truth and power. The outstanding cast gives brilliant performances and the play itself is unique and controversial.
Lasso of Truth is in a limited engagement February 20-March 16, 2014 at Marin Theatre Company. Performances are held Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. A matinee is scheduled for Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. All performances are held at Marin Theatre Company 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. For tickets, call the box office at 415-588-5208.
Coming up next at Marin Theatre Company is Fences by August Wilson, April 10-May 11, 2014 and directed by Derrick Sanders.
Flora Lynn Isaacson
