Review: Keala Settle Reclaims Mary Todd Lincoln’s Story in ‘Mrs. President’
Keala Settle stars in John Ransom Phillips’s play, Mrs. President, currently running at the Charing Cross Theatre until March 8. This production is noteworthy as London is hosting two plays centered on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, the spouse of the 16th president of the United States.
Overview of Mrs. President
In Mrs. President, Phillips aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, countering the historically negative perceptions she has faced. The character Mary wants to reshape her public image through the lens of photographer Mathew Brady, a pivotal figure in photojournalism.
Character Dynamics
- Mary Todd Lincoln: Played by Keala Settle, Mary begins as a sympathetic character affected deeply by the losses of her children and husband.
- Mathew Brady: Portrayed by Hal Fowler, Brady appears more concerned with his own image and less with Mary’s narrative.
Settle’s performance depicts a woman battling societal judgment, transitioning from a portrayal of grief to moments of melodrama. Meanwhile, Fowler’s portrayal of Brady offers a critical look at the artist’s obsession with his reputation and technological innovation.
Production Challenges
Directed by Bronagh Lagan, the play struggles with narrative coherence. The timeline is erratic, leaving the audience uncertain about whether they are observing reality, memory, or imagination. The script, while utilizing interesting devices, does not delve deeply into Mary’s complexities.
Questions linger throughout the play regarding Mary’s portrayal: Was she truly a victim of negative perceptions, or did her grief lead to her being silenced? Unfortunately, these essential themes remain largely unexplored.
Thematic Elements and Visuals
While the production touches on significant societal issues such as slavery, women’s rights, and the ethics of war photography, these topics are introduced but not fully developed.
Design elements include:
- Set Design: Anna Kelsey’s set features a visually appealing proscenium arch surrounded by a picture frame, representing Brady’s studio.
- Visual Projections: Matt Powell’s inventive projections add a dreamlike quality to the performance.
Conclusion
Despite its intriguing premise, Mrs. President falls short of fully capturing the essence of Mary Todd Lincoln. The production’s lack of focus hampers the exploration of an impactful historical figure, making it feel like a missed opportunity. For those interested in theatre and history, this portrayal may provide a glimpse, but it ultimately leaves audiences yearning for a more profound understanding of Mary’s story.
Catch Mrs. President at Charing Cross Theatre until March 8, and discover the complex life of Mary Todd Lincoln through this innovative yet flawed theatrical lens.
