What if the American colonists didn’t rebel against England — until 2008?
That question forms the premise of “Lord Oxford Brings You the Second American Revolution, Live!” a variety show-within-a-show that bows at Williamsburg’s Brick Theater next week. Though it is set in present-day America, it’s not the America we know (and sometimes love).
“It’s ‘Democracy in America’ meets ‘Alice in Wonderland’ meets ‘Cabaret,’” explained playwright Robert Honeywell. In other words, the last 232 years never actually happened. So that means the British freed the slaves and empowered native Americans, marginalizing the colonists to entertainment and menial jobs.
The show is a musical comedy, yes, but also serious political satire.
“We’re treading the line between offensive-funny and offensive-tasteless,” said director Moira Stone.
That is to say, Sally Hemings (remember her? — Thomas Jefferson’s love slave) makes an appearance as a hero of the British Empire.
“Second American Revolution” runs Oct. 24–Nov. 22 at the Brick Theater (575 Metropolitan Ave., between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street in Williamsburg). Tickets are $18. Visit www.bricktheater.com or call (718) 907-6189 for info.
