Four beautiful women who lose their heads may not sound very funny, but when they combines forces to help change the world, things happen and comments are made that can’t help but draw a laugh.
“Sometimes, a revolution needs a woman’s touch.” So says Marie Antoinette in “The Revolutionists,” Insight Theatre Company’s upcoming play that definitely demonstrates the creativity of women – especially when they join together.
The girl-powered historic comedy is set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror (June 1793 to July 1794). The imagined meeting of playwright Olympe de Gouges (portrayed by Jenni Ryan), assassin Charlotte Corday (Samantha Auch), former Queen (the one with the very tall hair) Marie Antoinette (played by Laurie McConnell), and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle (Kimmie Kid) create a sisterhood, who go after French politician Jean-Paul Marat, and try to beat back the pandemonium that was going on in Paris at the time.
The dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters. It’s a play within a play. It is a raucous resurrection … that ends in a song and a scaffold.
Insight’s production is directed by Trish Brown, who previously directed Insight’s “On Golden Pond” and “Spinning Into Butter,” among others. She is also an actress and educator, and teaches at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.
Written by Lauren Gunderson, who was recognized last season as America’s most-produced living playwright, according to American Theatre Magazine, “The Revolutionists” was first produced in 2017. Gunderson’s work tends to focus on women in history, science or literature.
One critic described “The Revolutionists” as being “… filled with verbal gymnastics that race at you so quickly, it’s occasionally hard to keep up.” So pay attention and don’t miss the clever banter. 
Others said the work makes politics very, very funny.
Ryan and Auch are mother and daughter, and previously performed together in Insight’s “Spitfire Grill.” Auch is also an actress and playwright in New York City.
McConnell won outstanding supporting actress in a musical for Insight’s “Company” in 2017, and outstanding supporting actress in a drama for St. Louis Actors’ Studio’s “The Little Foxes” at the 
2019 STL Theater Circle Awards.
“The Revolutionists” will run from June 28 to July 14 at The Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr., St. Louis, MO 63103. Ticket prices range from $20 to $40, and can be purchased at metrotix.com or at The Marcelle box office. For more information, visit insighttheatrecompany.com/shows/the-revolutionists-2019.
