The New York-based Chekhov Theatre Ensemble is currently offering a curious theatrical duet. Through March 21, the troupe presents Shakespeare's King Lear and the new one-person show, The Good Lover, in repertory at the Producer's Club Theatre II (616 9th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets). Floyd Rumohr directs both works.
The Bard's tale of devotion and betrayal within two Royal clans is familiar. Lisa Harris' Lover is another matter. The play begins as a woman briefly stops in the bathroom before a date. What follows in an examination of dating, relationships and body image. Lover was previously performing at Surf Reality, the Lower East Side forum for experimental solo performance.
Lear features a cast of 19. Milton Carney plays the eponymous king.
The five-year-old CTE's aim is to prepare children for full participation in society. To achieve that goal, it provides "at-risk" youths with a classic theatre eduction.
For information on Lear and Lover, call (212)279-1858. --By Robert Simonson