Chicago Shakes' 'Nell Gwynn', reviewed via rhyming couplet

Harken my friends come listen to this tale
A blonde young lass who’s anything but frail

Out selling fruit she’s noticed for her wits
And body parts which also rhyme with wits (hint: it’s tits)

For here’s a play romantic, quick, and bawdy
With lots of selfish royals dressed so gaudy

A woman rising up above her station
Who captivates the longings of a nation

Scarlett Strallen shines beyond compare
Her banter like hilarious warfare

She plays the lead of feisty Nelly Gwynn
Whose honesty breaks hearts she’s bound to win

Along with her, just closely second best,
was Nancy, deadpanned Natalie West

Worthy of note a quite flamboyant fella
Crossdressing Edward played by sir Bedella 

Scarlett Strallen and The Company. Photo by Liz Lauren.

The playwright deft, is one Jessica Swale
Whose sharplyworded puns did rarely fail

Actors making smart self-referential jokes
For audiences like their egos stroked

Liberals self-congratulatory laughs
For MAGA jokes whilst clapping their own calfs

And heaping on the final sugar granule
PETA’s dismay a small King Charles spaniel

Lo whilst costumes colorful and bright
Alight the stage and satisfy our sight

Whilst voices sing so merrily and gay,
and quality of acting never stray,

The story quite predictable and pat
Upon the patrons falls a trifle flat

Much like the Pepsi served outside the stage
Held back it was, no merits could assuage

Come out and see the tale of Nelly Gwynn
A pleasing night, ‘twill surely make you grin

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Nell Gwynn playing through November 4 at CST’s Courtyard Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. More information and tickets available here.