Mary Testa, Michael McGrath, Michael Urie, and Talene Monahon in ‘The Government Inspector’ Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg
Update:
Since publishing this article, an extension and move for this show were announced. The Government Inspector will complete its run at the Duke Theater on June 24, 2017. It will reopen on July 5 and run through August 20th at New World Stages. To purchase tickets for performances at New World Stages, visit Telecharge.com, call (212) 239-6200, or visit the New World Stages box office (daily, after 1pm).
A Show Well Worth Going to See
People will ask me “what’s a funny show to go to see?” If that’s what you’re looking for, I recommend that you head over to The Duke Theater on 42nd Street and see The Government Inspector. Presented by Red Bull Theater, this hilarious show features an outstanding company of actors who play out a story written over 180 years ago. The setting is in old world Russia when the Tsar was still in charge. However, take out that information and you might think you are in present day. Yes, issues that haunted government back then are pretty universal and so they are also seen today.
Originally written by Nikolai Gogol, The Government Inspector was brought to the attention of the Tsar. He liked it so much that he requested the first theatrical production of the play in 1836. Modern day writer Jeffery Hatcher adapted the play in 2008 and this is the version in use for the Red Bull production. Funny dialog brings the story to life. The wacky characters take center stage which brings out the conflict. All combined, this play shines with a humorous tone.
Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg
Directed by the Red Bull Theater’s Artistic Director, Jesse Berger, The Government Inspector centers around a town in the “middle of nowhere” someplace in old world Russia. For the most part, it is a poor existence that most of the people live with the exception of the Mayor and his family. No one seems very concerned about their station in life. They seem to accept it and live their lives.
The Postmaster reads everyone’s mail making him the most current source of news. He has discovered that a government official is being sent out to their town to investigate something. He informs the Mayor and his staff and also adds that the official is traveling incognito and has already been in the town for awhile. The Mayor makes major attempts to hide problems that are in the town such as a hospital that was built with room and doorways too small. So it is converted into a children’s hospital complete with brand new patients placed there for show.
All eyes turn to Ivan who has been staying in a less then adequate rooming house with his servant, Osip. He is wined, dined, bribed, and put up on a pedastal all in an attempt to win him over. As the mistaken identity continues, Ivan realizes he has landed in a sweet deal and he rolls right along with it.
Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg
Finally, the identity of the inspector is disclosed which provides a surprising ending. But along the way, the cast, led by Michael Urie as Ivan, provides many laughs. Michael McGrath plays the Mayor with Mary Testa as his wife and Talene Monahon in the role of his daughter. Other parts are played by Arnie Burton, Stephen DeRosa, Ryan Garbayo, Kelly Hutchinson, David Manis, Ben Mehl, , Luis Moreno, James Rana, Mary Lou Rosato, Tom Alan Robbins, and Ryan Garbayo.
About the Show:
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours with one intermission
Location: The Duke Theater on 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, NYC
Performances: This show will play until June 24, 2017 and then move to New World Stages. See information in Update above.
Contact for Info and Tickets: Red Bull Theater website