Daily-ist Monday: Compleat Female Stage Beauty

In Shakespeare's time, all the Bard's characters, even Juliet, were played by men. That's because the law in 17th century England prohibited women from acting. That changed in 1661 when King Charles made it okay for women to portray themselves on stage and making it illegal for any man to portray a woman.

Thus is the premise behind Jeffrey Hatcher’s Compleat Female Stage Beauty showing through February 28 at Midtown Arts Center. The play chronicles the life of actor Ned Kynaston, celebrated for his portrayals of Shakespeare's heroines, and his downfall after the afore-mentioned law is passed. The play has been called a "clever historical comedy."

Tonight's preformance, produced by Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company will begin at 8 p.m., and the suggested ticket price is $13. However, for Monday performances, Mildred's Umbrella allows theater-goers to "Pay What You Like."

Compleat Female Stage Beauty
Admission: Pay what you like — see above
Date and Time: 8 p.m. tonight
Location: MMidtown Art Center, 3414 LaBranch