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Thursday, March 28, 2024

In an age when an erotic novel like “Fifty Shades of Grey” can become the fastest-selling paperback ever, it is no wonder that sadomasochism has hit the theatrical stage. What is astonishing is just how funny, thrilling and completely brilliant an S&M play like the Hippodrome State Theatre’s “Venus in Fur” can be.

Following in the footsteps of an already phenomenal 40th season, “Venus in Fur” delivers a truly unforgettable 90 minutes of theater that may prove to be the Hippodrome’s best production of the year.

The show opens in the sparse city office of Thomas, the writer/director of a new play adaptation of the erotic 19th century novel “Venus in Furs” that has yet to find its leading lady. Then the young, eccentric actress Vanda walks in and gives new meaning to working the casting couch. The late night audition starts innocent enough but quickly spirals out of control, revealing the crazy power and sexual struggle experienced between men and women.

“Venus in Fur” debuted on Broadway in 2011 to mostly unanimous rave reviews, and its debut in Gainesville this past weekend deserves similar accolades.

This two-person play features three key performances that warrant a wealth of applause: actors Tim Altmeyer, Lauren Nordvig and director Lauren Caldwell. There’s no denying the cleverness of David Ives’s script, but it is the work of the previously mentioned trio of talent, all with ties to UF, that elevated this wholly enjoyable production to inconceivable heights.

This is Altmeyer’s theatrical season. Previously the director of the Hippodrome’s incredible production of “Other Desert Cities,” Altmeyer now stands center stage, as he rightly should, playing the complex man at the helm of a sexy and daring new show. His impeccable diction and overall command of the material shined from the very first moment the fluorescents lit up the stage.

In a role that won Nina Arianda the 2012 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, Nordvig gave a performance that is equally worthy of such a prestigious award. It is highly uncommon, yet extremely exhilarating to find a young artist like Nordvig who embodies every possible vocal, physical and emotional quirk of her character. To borrow a line from Vanda, Nordvig’s “a-MAH-zing” portrayal of a multi-faceted actress is breathtaking to behold.

Although this play is definitely not suitable for all audiences, Caldwell’s direction was both tasteful and well received as evidenced by the standing ovation at curtain call.

The thunder and lightning that intermittently interrupted Vanda’s audition was nothing compared to the electricity that encapsulated this entire spectacular production. “Venus in Fur” will continue its run at the Hippodrome Theatre until Feb. 3.

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