The universality of ‘Marie Antoinette’

Despite a rather abrupt end in 1793, Marie Antoinette is one of the most well-known members of French royalty.

The story of her ascension to the throne at age 14, popularity and downfall during the French Revolution have been told a variety of mediums, and now The Edge Theater brings playwright David Adjmi’s interpretation to the stage.

“Marie Antoinette,” directed by Robert Kramer, runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., Oct. 14 through Nov. 13 at The Edge, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood.

“This is an adaptation that really views Marie through a universal lens,” Kramer explained. “This is a woman who has had tremendous power thrust upon her and we look at through a modern lens.”

The cast features Missy Moore as Marie and Christian Mast as Louis the XVI, and is rounded out by Jihad Milhem, Brian Landis Folkins, Rachel Bouchard, Samara Bridwell, Ben Feldman and Ryan Goold.

“We see Marie at the cusp of becoming queen, all the way to the end of her reign,” Moore said. “It’s a contemporary version of her story, and shows how she held her head high all the way through what happened to her.”

We spoke to Moore and Kramer about this timely and political story, and here’s what they had to say:

Point 1: On its timelessness –; “It’s interesting to see a woman in power in that time and place not being celebrated, but instead demeaned and challenged at every turn,” Moore said.

“Marie is such an interesting character study, because she came to symbolize fame in a way no other person has,” Kramer added. “We show the duplicity of the people she interacted with, and how in the end everyone came to betray her.”

Point 2: On its politics –; “It’s hard not to see something similar to what Marie went through in the way one of our presidential candidates is treated for being a woman,” Kramer said. “Given our current political situation, and Americans’ discontent with politicians, it’s interesting to see a similar situation through another country’s eyes.”

Point 3: On its contemporary connections –; “Marie was built to be a media subject to the point where the person got lost,” Moore said. “The situation really mirrors where we are now with social media and fame.”

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