Gary Graves’ Superb Actors Play Legendary Renaissance Artists

by Robert M. Gardner

After 36 years of original plays, Central Works’ final production, “The Prince Part 2,” is a triumph of technique and acting. Born from the fertile imagination of playwright Gary Graves, the two-play series based on “the life and times of Niccolo Machiavelli,” serves as a fitting climax to a remarkable run of 81 world premieres.

The final show at Central Works offers insights into the Machiavellian lies and trickery we recognize all too well. These two plays demonstrate Graves’ fascination with the evolution of Machiavelli. Graves’ Machiavelli reflects our current political wars and the “need to win” at any cost.

While “Part 1” covers Machiavelli’s early life as servant and bureaucrat in the murderous feuds of Renaissance Florence, “Part 2” projects Machiavelli’s development in three acts.

In Act One, Graves chronicles the competition that Machiavelli (engaging Mark Farrell) sets up between Leonardo DaVinci (dynamic Michael Ray Wisely) and Michelangelo (captivating Brennan Pickman-Thoon). The geniuses command the stage, debating with convincing fury and passion. Graves keeps their debates flowing with fluid, expressive direction.

Both DaVinci and Michelangelo would be called gay today and their great works of art reflect their male companions. Their similar attractions add a intriguing counterpoint to their artistic conflict and fierce pride.

As an official in Florence, Machiavelli persuades both legendary artists to paint gigantic murals about Florence’s wars on opposing walls in the Palazzo Vecchio. Wisely and Pickman-Thoon develop dynamic portraits of the two legendary artists. Their DaVinci and Michelangelo leap to life as they clash and debate. Both actors embody the artists’ powerful inspiration and their overwhelming egos.

Jealousy and anger flare between Wisely’s older, demanding DaVinci and Pickman-Thoon’s younger, impetuous Michelangelo. Machiavelli needs all his skill to get these two powerhouses to work and compete. DaVinci and Michelangelo sparkle in witty, emotional exchanges that epitomize Florentine passion and pride.

Act Two opens with Machiavelli and Michelangelo sitting in the sauna on a bench. Here, the fully-clothed politician tries to convince the half-naked sculptor to divulge his plan for his giant painting. But Pickman-Thoon’s spiritual and secretive Michelangelo refuses to oblige. As a religious artist, he works only for God. But Machiavelli manages to manipulate even this grandiose genius. A delightful and intricate encounter.

In Act Two, after the Republic has been destroyed and Duke Lorenzo De’Medici (elegant Kevin Singer) has taken over, Machiavelli reappears after being tortured in the caves of the Palazzo. He has written The Prince, and explains his ideas to the new ruler. Their debate and disagreement offer electric insight into the generations-long struggle between democracy and tyranny. The brilliant verbal duel between Machiavelli and the Duke leaves us thinking about where democracy stands now.

In Act Three, Machiavelli writes a comedy to present before the Medici Cardinal, but his actors are plotting a return to the Republic, pre-Medici. The Mafia-accented actors, Luigi Alamanni (Wisely) and Battista della Palla (Singer), conspire to dethrone the Medici ruler.

They are joined by seductive Zenobia Buondelmonte (fiery Marah Sotelo) in a bumbling, comic assassination attempt. For these three dangerous conspirators, winning is the only option. Sound familiar?

All the actors do a superb job with their roles, with Wisely and Singer playing dual roles with commitment and vigor. Pickman-Thoon amazes as an exuberant Michelango. Sotelo brings fire to her dynamic portrayal of a savvy rebel.

Kudos to playwright and director Gary Graves for presenting this timely play at a crisis in our own history. Are we doomed to follow Machiavelli’s cynical advice forever? Or can we create new roles? Despite its length, I highly recommend seeing Graves’ tour de force by a talented group of actors. Maybe they stand for the ultimate “influencers.”

 

“The Prince, Part 2” –written & directed by Gary Graves, costumes by Tammy Berlin, sound by Gregory Scharpen, at Central Works, Berkeley.

Info: centralworks.org – to September 6, 2026.

Cast: Mark Farrell, Michael Ray Wisely, Brennan Pickman-Thoon, Kevin Singer, and Marah Sotelo.

 

Banner photo: Michael Ray Wisely (Leonardo) confronts Brennan Pickman-Thoon (Michelangelo). Photos: Robbie Sweeny

Both “Parts 1 and 2” will be playing during the final weekend: Sept. 5 & 6, 2026.