‘You, Nero’
In the new Amy Freed comedy “You, Nero,” a romp through the imploding rule of the Roman emperor Nero is quickly recognized as a thinly veiled vision of arts in America today. Hal Landon Jr., left, is Batheticus -- pay attention to these names -- in a scene opposite John Vickery as the playwright Scribonius. (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
Danny Scheie, right, is the heavily made-up, over-accessorized title character, “suffering a Liza Minnelli complex,” as Times theater critic Charles McNulty puts it. Nero hires John Vickery’s Scribonius to write a play that will enhance the public’s perception of the ruler. (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
The ham actor of an emperor, played by Danny Scheie, center, turns up the sizzle opposite Richard Doyle, left, as Patheticus and John Vickery as the playwright Scribonius. “You, Nero” is on South Coast Repertory’s Argyros Stage through Jan. 25. (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
It’s time for a bit of song. Kasey Mahaffy, left, as Fabiola warms up with Danny Scheie’s emperor. But the big question is: Will Nero fiddle while Rome burns? (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
Whether seen from afar, or up Nero, Danny Scheie, at center, is a piece of work as the narcissitic emperor, who devises a theater festival in his own honor. Richard Doyle, left, is Patheticus; John Vickery is Scribonius. (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
History serves as a backdrop in Amy Freed’s best-known plays, whether in “Restoration Comedy” or the Shakespearean times of “The Beard of Avon.” Now she’s in ancient Rome with Danny Scheie as “You, Nero.” (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
Lori Larsen is Agrippina, center, opposite Richard Doyle, left, as Zippo with Hal Landon Jr. as Beppo. Um, who called in the Marx Brothers? (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
What’s that gleam in her eyes? Caralyn Kozlowski is Poppaea, in a scene with John Vickery as the playwright Scribonius. “You, Nero” continues at South Coast Repertory through Jan. 25. (Alex Gallardo/Los Angeles Times)
