Gary Graves’ “Boss McGreedy” is clearly based upon the infamous life of “Boss Tweed” the political gangster who ran the astonishingly corrupt Tammay Hall Democratic Party political machine in New York City in the mid 19th century. Tweed was enormously powerful. At one point, he was the third largest landowner in New York City. He boasted that he built that city. He doled out and called in favors while maintaining a strangehold on his political party. Nobody dared to stand up against him. Until they did. In the end he was convicted of stealing $200 million dollars (equivalent to A WHOPPING FIVE BILLION IN 20th CENTURY DOLLARS) from the people of New York City. And then fled town when he was unable to make bail, fully expecting to get back in the game.
He is undoubtedly, the bigget crook in the history of American politics, rivaled only by Louisiana’s “Kingfish” himself, Hughey P Long. Nobody could hold until a candle. That is, until now.
The contemporary resonance of Tweed’s dastardly career is what makes this production sing to the delight of Berkeley’s audiences who gleefully revel in McGreedy’s comeuppance, clearly anticipating something similar happening to a certain 2024 Presidential candidate whom, like V****demort, Shall Not Be Named.
It is that glee in justice served that powers this play, as well as the performances of the actors, who chew the scenery with unconcealed relish. Probably plenty of ketchup and mustard as well. Graves has had the wonderful good fortune to cast three of the Bay area’s leading actors (Anna Ishida, Michael Ray Wisely, and the great Brian Herndon) and he makes the moscareft of them. They sweep the play like Pulitzer prize winning muckrackers, stopping at nothing to deliver the dirt.
I confess that I found the script somewhat stilted, and I was occasionally confused by the story line. But the carefully calibrated over-the-top performances, especially Brian Herndon as MacGreedy’s lawer/enabler, can make up for any multitude of flaws. Michael Ray Wisely as the cornered McGreedy is a charming caged animal, sometimes cringing, often fighting hard, sometimes charming, sometimes pathetic. As a government investigator determined to bring McGreedy to his knees, Anna Ishida is fully committed.
The night I saw it, the audience couldn’t leave the theater after the show. Their enthusiasm was palpable, as they happily stood about the lobby drawing comparisons between MacGreedy and . . . he who shall not be named. They had a good time. You will, too.
“Boss McGreedy” runs at the Berkeley City Club through March 31st, 2024. For further information click here.
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Rating: ***1/2 (For an explanation of Theatrestorm’s rating scale, click here.)
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“Boss McGreedy” by Gary Graves. Produced by Central Works. Director: Gary Graves. Costume Designer: Tammy Berlin. Fight Choreographer: Brian Herndon. Prop Designer: Cynthia Lagodzinski. Sound Designer: Gregory Scharpen.
Cast:
O’Brian Bryant/Aparishio: Anna Ishida. Bill “Boss” McGreedy: Michael Ray Wisely. Dudley Townsend/Hunt/Flanagan: Brian Herndon.
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