Gary Graves Slams Gilded Age Excesses

by Robert M. Gardner

As Boss McGreedy, Michael Ray Wisely takes Berkeley by storm in Gary Graves’ modern morality play. Playing a Gilded Age Boss, Wisely masterfully depicts Trumpian politics and style. He’s boisterous, arrogant, and cruel—sporting flamboyant hair and ostentatious fashions. Boss McGreedy reminds us of the Orange Clown.

Playwright Gary Graves tells an old story of greed and deceit, inspired by Boss Tweed, an 1870s corrupt politician. Tweed triumphantly ruled New York City, stealing the public blind.

But in “Boss McGreedy,” the bad guy gets his just desserts.

As Assistant Attorney General O’Brian Bryant (dynamic Anna Ishida) intones: “The wheels of justice grind slowly but grind exceedingly fine.” McGreedy cannot believe that his tormentor is a woman. McGreedy and Bryant trade delightful, bitter repartee. But the Boss’s male arrogance undoes him, when he agrees with Bryant to make a deposition under oath. He will do anything to break free of the prison on Blackwell’s Island, where he is languishing. He wants to “get back in the game.”

Costume Designer Tammy Berlin adds depth to the characters with spot-on period costumes. McGreedy wears an elegant smoking jacket and puffs a big cigar. Ishida brings a cool presence to the stage. As Bryant, we see her first in a dignified but stylish gray suit. Later she appears in a beautifully tailored, elegant purple dress.

Although it’s unlikely that in 1870 a female lawyer would bring down Boss McGreedy, we appreciate the modern, Trumpian irony of a woman taking him to the brink.

McGreedy’s slimy lawyer Dudley Townsend (excellent Brian Herndon) makes a feeble attempt to be the go-between, trying to control his irrational and murderous Boss and placating Bryant. Townsend, obsequious and fawning, feels superior to the Boss, but he hopes that McGreedy will make him rich. Townsend is the fixer who does anything to please—including murder. Versatile Herndon also skillfully plays the oarsman who helps McGreedy escape and the sea captain who delivers him back to New York.

As always, Central Works makes masterful use of the intimate parlor at the exquisite Berkeley City Club. Gregory Scharpen and Liora Jacobs’ sound and lights create expressive moods and a sense of expansive space. Watch for the dim harbor lights and listen for the sounds of oars in the water, as McGreedy makes his escape.

Graves’ script moves along swiftly, with powerful, pithy lines; some of the references to our modern Boss may seem obvious, but they are well aimed. The parallels are eerie. Graves approaches the past and present comparison boldly—with all engines firing. We can only hope that the Trump meets a similar fate.

“Boss McGreedy” is a powerful piece of theater that everyone will enjoy. Graves’ work features dark comedy, tragedy, and courtroom drama. He also fulfills our dearest fantasies. Don’t miss the Boss!

“Boss McGreedy” –written & directed by Gary Graves, sound design by Gregory Scharpen, costume design by Tammy Berlin, assistant lighting design & sound operator Liora Jacob, prop design by Cynthia Lagodzinski, by Central Works, at Berkeley City Club. Info: centralworks.org – to April 5, 2024.

Cast: Michael Ray Wisely, Brian Herndon, and Anna Ishida.

Banner photo: Michael Ray Wisely (Bill “Boss” McGreedy). Photos: Robbie Sweeny