Old Hollywood, Ego and Rugged Crossgender Machismo – “I Never Knock” at MN Fringe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writer-director John Ervin has a natural affinity for the glamour of Old Hollywood in the era of the studio system hierarchy. His comedy of manners, I Never Knock, has some fine moments as it relates the haughty vanity and erotic abandon of a movie diva named Rebecca Belvedere. His play looks at blackmail and naivete, but still needs a few more phases of development. However, I Never Knock seizes a spirit akin to that which you’ll see in the show biz-themed movie milestones, All About Eve and Sunset Boulevard.

Rachel Grubb as Rebecca and Ellen Engelson as her “friend”, Olivia, capture the flowing elegance of actresses who value their social power as much as they do their craft, not to mention their juicy cattiness. The Bosom Buddies number in the classic Jerry Herman musical, Mame, comes to mind. (Ervin knows of what he writes of, most definitely.)

Steve Wothe is terrific as a crossdressing stage manager with a macho personality. This vibrantly appealing and rather dangerous character could actually be woven into the action much more. There is also the seed of a bi-erotic love triangle within the play that could be explored much further. Nonetheless, I Never Knock certainly mirrors the time and place. And it’s a time and place with alot we can learn from.

I Never Knock
Foss Center, Augsburg Mainstage, 625 22nd Ave. S., Minneapolis
Through Aug.12
Minnesota Fringe Festival
www.minnesotafringe.org