Humor amidst rebellion in Lost Nation Theater’s ‘The Revolutionists,’ June 5-15
June 4, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
A scene from 'The Revolutionists,' on stage in Montpelier at Lost Nation Theater, Thursdays-Sundays, June 5-15. Photo by John Lazenby
A tale from the French Revolution in which four bold, bodacious women try not to lose their heads, takes the stage in Montpelier for Lost Nation Theater’s two-week presentation of “The Revolutionists.”
The irreverent, rebellious, girl-powered comedy by American playwright Lauren Gunderson will have performances Thursdays through Sundays, June 5-15.
Set amidst France’s late 18th-century Reign of Terror, four renegades—an assassin, a spy, a writer, and Queen Marie Antoinette— hang out, plot murder, find friendship, and try to beat back extremist insanity.
In announcing the production, Producing Artistic Director Kathleen Keenan asserts: “It may be fiction, but it’s not fake.”
Indeed, “The Revolutionists” depicts four real-life women who fight for the equality of all women and for the love of their country. Playwright Gunderson is masterful at marrying historical fact and inventive fiction, creating spicy and satisfying theatrical tales, peppered with poignant truths.
“The Revolutionists” features real women who lived boldly: playwright Olympe De Gouge, assassin Charlotte Corday, Queen Marie Antoinette. The fourth in the quartet of characters – spy and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle – is a composite of several real women of color who fought for equality during the French and Haitian Revolutions, according to Lost Nation.
The cast: Actor and playwright Abby Paige plays playwright Olympe De Gouges; Brittney Malik is the spy Marianne Angelle; Stacia Richards tackles the writer character Charlotte Corday; and Stoph Scheer embodies the queen.
Cast members in Lost Nation Theater's production of 'The Revolutionists' are (l to r) seated: Stoph Scheer as Queen Marie Antoinette, Stacia Richard as Assassin Charlotte Corday; standing are Abby Paige as Playwright Olympe de Gouges, and Brittney Malik as Spy Marianne Angelle. Photo by John Lazenby
Paige shares her take on the story: “This show is hilarious, fast-paced, and, unfortunately, getting more relevant by the minute. I think it’s about different kinds of courage — the courage to speak the truth, to be who you are, to give your life for a cause, to take matters into your own hands. It’s also about friendship, and the way that friends give us courage and help us to become our best, bravest selves.”
The show is directed by Katie Genzer with sumptuous set design by Mark Evancho, costumes by Cora Fauser, lights and sound by Charlotte Seelig, and masks by Andrea Stander.
Much of the fun in “The Revolutionists” is the verbal gymnastics of the script with boisterous banter performed under the looming shadow of the guillotine. “This play is packed with personality and its shifting rhythms really keep you on your toes,” said Director Genzer.
A scene from 'The Revolutionists,' on stage June 5-15, Thursdays-Sundays, at Lost Nation Theater. Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
Performances run Thursdays-Sundays, June 5–15. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. for the Thursday, Friday, Saturday evening shows; 2 p.m. on Sundays; with an additional 2 p.m. Saturday matinee on June 14.
A special pre-show party will be held before the Friday, June 6, performance (admission included with ticket purchase) featuring live Bal Folk dance music with Susan Reid, and delicious French foods.
Special note: Montpelier City Hall no longer has an operable elevator making access difficult. Shows will be livestreamed for all to be able to view. Find more information and advance tickets online at lostnationtheater.org.