The U.S. Naval Academy Masqueraders’ production of The Mad Lover is an ambitious recreation of a forgotten 17th-century classic comedy by John Fletcher. A contemporary and writing partner of William Shakespeare, Fletcher, though now obscure, was the most popular playwright of his time. The Mad Lover follows General Memnon as he falls madly in love with Princess Calis. Memnon’s fellow soldier Siphax also falls in love with Calis, convincing his sister Cleanthe to help him marry the princess. Meanwhile, Calis falls for Memnon’s brother Polidor, while retired soldier and rogue Chilax has her own adventures. Disguised women, musical performances, fake deaths, and the appearance of Venus follow. Directed by Michael M. Wagoner, it brings fun, modern touches to an old comedy.
Joel Thomas plays Memnon with an intensity. Desperately in love with Calis (Shekinah Jaze), he grasps her, demanding her affection; his soldiers have to pull him away. He points his sword threateningly at one of his soldiers who dares propose another way to woo Calis. Mourning someone, he drops to his knees, pushing Calis away when she also tries to express her grief.
Shekinah Jaze brings a strength to Calis. She mocks Memnon’s protestations of love, joking when he cannot speak. Falling for Polidor (Eli Mahfood), she dotes on his angry words, admiring how well spoken he is.
Jayden Mueller brings a calmness to Siphax, Memnon’s fellow officer, that at times feels sinister. Seeing Memnon consider suicide, he reasons with him to reconsider. He urges Cleanthe (Gracelyn Tramba), Calis’ attendant and his sister, to help manipulate Calis into marrying him. As the Priest of Venus, he is easygoing and lustful, eagerly hooking up with Chilax (Meghan Trumble).
Meghan Trumble brings an earthy sensuality to Chilax, drinking from bottles she finds under the stage and taking pleasure where she can. She has a raunchy scene with the Priest, fondling his robes before pulling him to the altar and sensually whipping him. She gives a funny impression of Memnon, making silly demands. When he threatens her, she cleverly finds a way to escape.
Gracelyn Tramba plays Cleanthe with a confidence. Protective of Calis, she comes between her and Memnon when he is too threatening. She strikes Siphax for putting her in such an awkward position, yet she maneuvers Calis into marrying him. As a Whore, she speaks with a Long Island accent, aping royal manners until being frightened. As Venus, she is assured, calmly giving advice to the tangled situation.
Luke Germani plays Stremon the musical soldier with a laid-back authority. Singing two songs to Memnon to soothe him, he briefly dominates the stage, then just as quickly exits. As King Astorax, he has a quiet imperial air, giving commands and listening to Memnon’s tale of his victories.
Christine Browne brings a stoic wisdom to the Fool, explaining her philosophy even as Chilax beats and mistreats her. As she speaks, Ella Biebl as Picus acts it out, while also trying to swipe Chilax’s bottles. Addisson Vandi brings a protectiveness to Lucippe, Calis’ other attendant, trying to intervene between Memnon and Calis. As a Surgeon, she is shocked at Memnon’s order, trying to stay calm. As Cloe, Siphax’s previous lover, she is determined to get something for her time and sacrifice with him.
Set Designer Dani Bocanegra gives the stage a classic feel, with a large marble amphitheater in the center and three covered doorways. At the top is a large bust of Venus. Costume Designer Sondra Duplantis recreates ancient Rome, with soldiers in red centurion uniforms, noblemen in purple or blue togas, and noblewomen in long dresses. Lower-class women wear simpler tunics. One scene has animal masks and a tree costume.
Light Board Operator Ethan Shackelford flashes lightning for Venus’ appearance, while shining a spotlight on the start of one of Memnon’s soliloquies and bringing the lights onto Chilax during her comic impression of Memnon. Sound Board Operator Samantha Engreso throws out music, such as the start of “Careless Whisper” when the characters fall in love at first sight, as well as the music for the characters’ songs.
Composer Jess Keyes creates modern pop melodies for the play’s several songs, bringing a contemporary feel to 17th-century music. Director Michael M. Wagoner brings connections to Shakespeare’s works to the fore, with Memnon giving a comic take on one of Hamlet’s soliloquies and Chilax taking on a Puck-like role in manipulating and gathering other characters. While keeping track of all the different plots can at times feel overwhelming (the program helpfully includes a summary of the first part), the actors’ enthusiasm is infectious. They hit all the right comic moments, bringing lots of laughs from the audience. The Masqueraders deserve kudos for breathing new life into this neglected play.
Running Time: Two hours and 45 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.
The Mad Lover plays November 21 and 22, 2025, presented by the USNA Masqueraders performing at Mahan Auditorium at the United States Naval Academy – 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD. Purchase tickets ($16.75) online. For those who cannot drive onto the yard, enter at Gate 1, at the end of King George Street, then catch a shuttle from Gate 1 to Mahan. Photo ID is required.
The Mad Lover
By John Fletcher
Directed by Michael M. Wagoner
Eli Mahfood plays Polidor and Joel Thomas plays Memnon
