Phoenix Theatre Ensemble's Entertaining Mr Sloane

'How can an audience in the era of naked First Ladies and transgendered decathlon athletes can still be shocked by a 53-year old British play? It’s because director Craig Smith, the play’s creative team, and the cast expertly transport us back to not-so-jolly old England in the 60’s, an era where the country was slowly coming into its sexual revolution— albeit with a gun to its head.'


Playwright: Joe Orton
Director: Craig Smith

Cast:
Antonio Edwards Suarez (Ed)
Elise Stone (Kath)
Matt Baguth (Sloane)
John Lenartz (Kemp a.k.a. Dadda)


I enjoyed learning more about Joe Orton, his works and especially some of the history behind Entertaining Mr Sloane. I had heard or Orton before, but hadn't seen any of his work, nor did I know much about his short life, and his tragic death at the hands of his partner. It is always morbidly fascinating when an authors life and death are far more dramatic than the drama created on the page.


Orton's Entertaining Mr Sloane was first produced in London at the New Arts Theatre on 6 May 1964 and transferred to the West End's Wyndham's Theatre on 29 June 1964. In researching stage revivals of the play, one of the productions that came up most frequently was also one of the most recent. Last springs production by the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble received universally outstanding reviews. For the production, and for actor Matt Baguth, the show's incredibly talented and hot Mr Sloane.


As Sloane, the handsome Matt Baguth instead builds up momentum very slowly before finally revealing the “real” man who’s the center of all the attention. And just like with the rest of this twisted tale, it’s not quite what it seems.


Matt Baguth, who plays Mr. Sloane, is a delight to see in his undies onstage, as he has an amazing body and very good acting skills.


'With his sculpted physique, prevalent musculature and chiseled features that recall the young Malcolm MacDowell (who played the role in a 1975 London revival), Matt Baguth is mesmerizing. Speaking in a whispery, low, lightly accented voice, Mr. Baguth commands attention. Whether wearing Mod clothing or encased in black leather, and a tight white T-shirt, Baguth vividly captures the predatory nature of this youthful interloper with sly conviction.'



Entertaining Mr. Sloan wasn't Matt's first (or last) shirtless stage appearance. Matt was also shirtless as Hal in Picnic (below) and last Autumn's production of Tartuff.