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\nThis grand and dream-tweaked comedy examines violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfad NEW! Los Angeles Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
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I spoke with director Jamie Torcellini<\/a> (pictured) about his vision for the play, what drew him to it, and how the four very different women who carry out their murderous teamwork to try and beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.<\/p>\n Thanks for speaking with me, Jamie. What attracts you about directing The Revolutionists, and what makes this the right project for this moment?\u00a0 <\/p>\n With everything happening in our political climate right now, it feels like our rights are being chipped away little by little. This play reminds us how important it is to find our voices, speak up, and fight back when something is unjust. That\u2019s what makes it feel so immediate and necessary to me. It\u2019s funny, yes, but underneath the comedy is a real call to action. I hope audiences leave feeling inspired to make some noise.<\/p>\n Nondumiso Tembe, Sarah Pierce<\/a>, Amie Farrell and Lyndsi LaRose<\/a> The play mixes sharp comedy with serious themes like political violence, feminism and activism. How are you envisioning that tonal balance? <\/p>\n I think we\u2019d be completely lost without humor. Comedy and satire are some of the most powerful weapons we have against oppression and fascism. Lauren Gunderson<\/a> does such a brilliant job of making us laugh while also sneaking in these deeply emotional and political truths. The humor keeps the audience engaged, but it also makes the harder moments land even more powerfully. That balance is what makes the play so special.<\/p>\n The four women in the play come from very different backgrounds and perspectives, including playwright Olympe de Gouges (played by Amie Farrell), assassin Charlotte Corday<\/a> (Sarah Pierce<\/a>), former queen and fan of ribbons Marie Antoinette (Lyndsi LaRose<\/a>), and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle (Nondumiso Tembe). How are you working with the cast to build the chemistry and \u201cchosen sisterhood\u201d at the heart of the story? <\/p>\n Amie Farrell, Lyndsi LaRose<\/a>, Sarah Pierce<\/a>, Nondumiso Tembe<\/p>\n Sometimes brilliant casting solves a lot of that for you. Michael Donovan<\/a> and Richie Ferris really understood exactly what I was hoping for with these women. Not only are they incredibly gifted actors and comedians, but there was an instant warmth and connection between them from the very first read-through. You could already feel that sisterhood forming naturally. That kind of chemistry is something you can\u2019t fake.<\/p>\n Now that rehearsals having started, has your original vision of the characters expanded? How so? <\/p>\n I\u2019d say it\u2019s been enriched more than changed. It\u2019s impossible to read this play and not feel its power deep in your bones, but hearing these actors bring the words to life has elevated everything. Every actress has brought something personal and unexpected to her role. Suddenly moments that were already strong on the page feel even more alive and urgent. It\u2019s been incredibly exciting to watch unfold.<\/p>\n Sarah Pierce<\/a>, Nondumiso Tembe,\u00a0Lyndsi LaRose<\/a> and Amie Farrell Playwright Lauren Gunderson<\/a> has said the play explores \u201cwhy we need to make art\u201d during times of crisis. How does that theme resonate with you personally as a director? <\/p>\n I don\u2019t think artists always set out to make political statements, but art has the power to move people and inspire change whether we intend it or not. With everything happening in the world right now, especially in our own country, I think many of us feel a responsibility to do more. To speak up. To challenge injustice. Art can entertain us, but it can also wake us up, and that feels incredibly important right now.<\/p>\n This play blends historical fact with contemporary language and humor. What opportunities does that style create for you creatively? <\/p>\n For comedy, it\u2019s everything. The pace, the absurdity, the quick wit \u2014 it all feels immediate and alive. The contemporary language makes these women feel accessible and relatable instead of distant historical figures. One moment you\u2019re laughing at the sharp humor, and the next your heart breaks for them. As a director, getting to ride that emotional rollercoaster with the audience is incredibly satisfying.<\/p>\n Amie Farrell and Nondumiso Tembe You\u2019ve directed several productions at International City Theatre over the years. What makes this collaboration feel distinct from your previous work there? <\/p>\n Having a cast and creative team led so strongly by women has made this experience feel incredibly special. There\u2019s a real sense of collaboration, support, and shared purpose in the room. While I\u2019m looking at these struggles through a man\u2019s perspective, I feel deeply honored to help lift up these voices and tell this story. It honestly feels like being welcomed into a sisterhood. That energy has shaped the entire process in a beautiful way.<\/p>\n What are some of the visual or stylistic ideas you are exploring with the design team (set designer Mio Okada\u2013Nu\u00f1ez, lighting designer Donna Ruzika<\/a>, Costume Designer<\/a> Kim DeShazo, sound designer Hunter Moody, and prop designer Patty Briles) before the show opens? <\/p>\n We\u2019ve been envisioning a world of swagged drapery, minimal furniture, and strong theatricality. The costumes are rooted in period accuracy, but we\u2019re layering in contemporary touches throughout the wigs, costumes, and overall aesthetic. We want the audience to feel the history, but also constantly be reminded that the themes are modern and urgent. The design has this elegant but slightly dangerous energy to it. It feels both timeless and rebellious.<\/p>\n Nondumiso Tembe, Sarah Pierce<\/a>, Amie Farrell The French Revolution setting echoes some modern social and political tensions. How relevant do you think audiences will find the story today? <\/p>\n Extremely relevant. Every day we\u2019re still fighting for women\u2019s rights, bodily autonomy, equality, freedom, and the right to be heard. Even though the play is set during the French Revolution, so many of the conversations feel like they could be happening right now. That\u2019s what makes the play hit so hard. History has a way of repeating itself if we stop paying attention.<\/p>\n When audiences leave International City Theatre after seeing this production, what conversations or emotions do you hope they carry with them? <\/p>\n I hope audiences leave inspired to speak up and fight back when they witness injustice or cruelty. I want people to feel empowered to make noise instead of staying silent. Not just for women, but for anyone being treated unfairly or pushed aside. At the same time, I hope they were thoroughly entertained and had a great night at the theater. If we can inspire people while also making them laugh and feel deeply, then we\u2019ve done our job.<\/p>\n Anything else you would like to add about yourself or the production? <\/p>\n What\u2019s brilliant about The Revolutionists is that it doesn\u2019t treat revolution as history. It treats it as a cycle. Every generation thinks surely we\u2019re beyond this now, and then suddenly we\u2019re arguing again about bodily autonomy, truth, censorship, equality, who deserves power, and who gets erased. That\u2019s why the play feels so alive right now. It\u2019s not really about 1793. It\u2019s about the fragility of democracy\u2014and the necessity for hope. \u201cWe must keep telling our stories\u201d<\/p>\n Thanks so much!<\/p>\n Thank you, Shari!<\/p>\n Produced by caryn desai [sic] and presented by International City Theatre, The Revolutionists runs June 12 through June 28 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11 both at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $56 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, except opening night (Friday, June 12), and $59 on opening night and at Sunday matinees. Low-priced tickets to previews are $44. \n 2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats\n <\/p>\n \n Best Sound Design – Top 3\n <\/p>\n \n 1. \n 31.9% of votes\n <\/p>\n \n 2. \n 14.7% of votes\n <\/p>\n \n 3. \n 7.7% of votes\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Shari Barrett, a Los Angeles native, has been active in the theater world since the age of six – acting, singing, and dancing her way across the boards all over town. After teaching in secondary schoo… (read more about this author)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n![\"Interview:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-Revolutionists_0013-scaled.jpg\")
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\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n![\"Interview:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-Revolutionists_0054-scaled.jpg\")
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\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n![\"Interview:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-Revolutionists_0084-scaled.jpg\")
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\nPhoto by Jordan Gohara<\/p>\n![\"Interview:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The-Revolutionists-Vsm.jpg\")
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\nInternational City Theatre is located in Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center\u2019s Beverly O\u2019Neill Theater at 330 East Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. For more information and tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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