It can be said that Ann Richards was ahead of her time, politically speaking, in that she thrived in an era before social media made it much easier to do so. She was not the first woman governor in Texas, but she was the first to be remarkably colorful and quotable, not that either quality led to her reelection, as she went down to defeat to a member of the Bush family.
The saga of Richards' life is well-told by noted stage and screen actress Elizabeth Ashley in the latest Arkansas Repertory Theatre production, Ann, which opened Friday night to a large and appreciative audience, (some of whom were women campaigning for elective office in the lobby before show time).
Holland Taylor wrote the play, and Michael Wilson smoothly directed Ashley in what the notes say is the 11th production on which they have collaborated. Ashley's credits fill two pages in the show's playbill, so it's easily apparent that she is at ease on any stage.
And while Ashley's hair might not have been as assertive as Richards' was, she managed to capture the essence of her gregarious character otherwise. With a minimalist set (created by the legendary Mike Nichols) as the play began, Ashley addressed the students from a lectern at an imaginary Texas college, and in the second act, she had ascended to the office of governor, and had a desk and phone and chairs, all of which she put to good use.
The play was not a one-woman show, as there is an additional actor, Alanna Hamill Newton, who portrayed Nancy Kohler, whose voice could be heard on the other end of the phone as she worked as the governor's right-hand woman, so to speak. Costume designer David C. Woolard and wig designer Paul Huntley worked well at re-creating Richards.
In a month that includes the preliminary bouts in an election year, Ann is a show with several lessons -- and reminders -- for the times in which we find ourselves.
Performances continue through Feb. 23. More information is available by calling (501) 378-0405 or going to The Rep.org
Metro on 02/01/2020