In a time where hate is enveloping us every day in the news and social media, this play becomes a beacon of light. Currently running at Baltimore Center Stage, Everything That Never Happened, wonderfully written by playwright Sarah Mantell, provides a most interesting perspective on the original play by Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice. Instead of the traditional take that often includes negative stereotypes of Jewish people, it shows a father’s love, his heartbreak, and a transactional type of love between the young lovers.
Everything That Never Happened is set in Venice, Italy, during the year 1596. A time when the Jewish people are seen as less than and relegated to the city’s ghetto. Even with this mark upon them, they are the prime lenders for people throughout Venice and are often sought out for loans. This very simple exchange is what provides the foundational fodder for this story. The infamous “a pound of flesh” resonates so much deeper here. With the loss of one’s identity and family, so much is given up, whether voluntary or involuntary. It’s the figurative meaning behind the phrase. And when the literal pound of flesh is demanded, it resonates so much more about what is happening within a prominent city. While there are moments of sarcastic humor with dalliances of history yet to be made, this play directed by Jessica Kubzansky speaks out loudly against the commonly accepted rhetoric of a classic.
I enjoyed Erika Soto’s adaptation of Jessica. She was witty and full of energy as she seamlessly bared the complex nature of her character and the social temperature of the times. She was very much an impetuous teenager in love but unsure of her future. Her interactions were so authentic. Down to watching her pack and carry her trunk across the stage or when her only explanation of a thing was to say, “It’s a Jewish thing.”
Lorenzo, aptly performed by Nic Picou, was a typical young, naïve boy lost in his world. He was what you expected of a young man trying to woo his woman into a very loosely planned future with him. Very impetuous, and somewhat self-serving, love is important but so is his bottom line. It gives typical Shakespeare drama. I must admit although this was set in 1596, some of his requests — for example “give up everything you are and take on my name, my culture, my religion” for supposed freedom — are still being played out today. Only to add his lack of full transparency, he had me along with several audience members clutching our imaginary pearls. While you kind of wanted to pluck Lorenzo in the forehead sometimes, you could still see the appeal.
One of my favorite moments was Allison Wick’s Gobbo. I like the quiet reserve she portrayed for her character. Even though she doesn’t always understand everything going on in her employer’s home, her love for her young mistress is clear. She helps Jessica, even when it betrays her own heart. I appreciated her blatant, painful honesty, even when she used it to mislead.
The portrayal of Shylock by Leo Marks was heart-wrenchingly astounding. He provided a very human, fatherly aspect to this often negatively stereotyped character. During his brief monologue where he laments his daughter’s decision, he was so sorrowful you can’t help but feel pity for his situation. You could feel the weight of all his losses, his frustration with how the people of Venice treat him, and the constant fight just to be allowed to exist. But through it all, he holds onto being a Jew. Even until the very end, when he is forced to assimilate as part of a punishment for his supposed crimes.
I enjoyed the many layers that this play had to offer. The sadness, the honesty, the dry wit, the forgiving love of family. It is a piece that allows you the opportunity to draw parallels and to grow as a person. And while this play strays from the original, the alternate path is worth the time.
Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission.
Everything That Never Happened plays through March 9, 2025, at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. For tickets ($10–$79, with senior and student discounts available), call the box office at (410) 332-0033 (Tuesday through Friday, noon–5 pm), email boxoffice@centerstage.org, or purchase them online.
The program for Everything That Never Happened is available online here.
Everything That Never Happened
CAST
Jessica: Erika Soto
Lorenzo: Nic Picou
Shylock: Leo Marks
Gobbo: Allison Wick
CREATIVES
Playwright: Sarah Mantell
Director: Jessica Kubzansky
Asst. Director: Dante Fields
Orginating Composer/ Sound Designer: John Nobori
Associate Sound Designer: Caitlin Leong
Costume Designer: Mel NG
Scenic Designer; Anton Volovsek
Lighting Designer: Sim Carpenter
Associate Lighting Director: Tyrell Stanely
Stage manager: Luisa Ann Torres
Asst. Stage Manager: Caroline Ragland
Production Asst.: Sharon Zheng
Casting by: The Telsey Office Destiny Lilly, CSA
