Oscar Wilde gets a redux this weekend with the world premiere of Julio C. Mas' new play "The Amazing Picture of Doreen Grave" at THEATRX community theater in Escondido.
Mas has turned Wilde's 1891 gothic English horror story "The Picture of Dorian Gray" into a bawdy modern-day comedy set in Del Mar.
This is the second time Mas has adapted a story into a modern context. In March of last year, he took the Greek classic "Medea" and updated it to 1912 New Orleans in the Creole-themed musical "The Long Night of Medea Dupree." That was presented at Patio Playhouse community theater.
Mas describes his play as "a very raunchy farce but simply hilarious." Although Mas' play borrows from Wilde's story the idea about a beautiful person who wants to stay young forever (by having a painted portrait of their likeness age instead), the new comedy bears little resemblance to Wilde's original.
The play, which will be co-directed by Mas and Christopher De Armond, takes place at the Del Mar home of the gravely ill, newly rich contractor Richard "Dick" Grave and his new wife (and former nurse), Doreen, an Amish girl in her late 20s who has refused to consummate the marriage.
As a wedding present to his new wife, Dick gives Doreen a portrait of her likeness, but she curses the painting, hoping that it will age rather than herself. The spirit of an ancient Egyptian priest grants her wish, and -- as in Wilde's story -- her deal with the devil leads to her ultimate downfall into a life of debauchery.
The play stars Asia Diaz as Doreen and Steven Rich as Dick. Co-starring in the production are co-director De Armond, Sandra Gonzales, Elizabeth Toker, Erick Dikerson, John Aviles, Laura Makey and Faatima Harley.
Mas describes the play as best suited for an adult audience because of its bawdy comedy and adult situations.
"The Amazing Picture of Doreen Grave"
When: Opens Friday and runs through April 5; showtimes, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; no performance March 20
Where: THEATRX, 155 E. Grand Ave., Escondido
Tickets: $15, adults; $12, seniors, students; $10, children under 16; (play is PG-13 rated)
Phone: (760) 735-2491
