Tantalizing new show 'Born with Teeth' has bite: Here's how to see it in Oklahoma City

After chewing the scenery so ravenously in Oklahoma Shakespeare's satisfying production of the hot new show "Born with Teeth," Tyler John Malinauskas and Justin Marlow might still be metaphorically picking bits of barstools and parchment out of their molars the next day.

But the Oklahoma City-based actors' "go hard or go home" approach suits acclaimed playwright Liz Duffy Adams' tantalizing new title, rightly billed as a "quick-witted punk-inspired fantasia" centered on two of the most famous writers to ever work in the English language.

To stage the Sooner State premiere of "Born with Teeth," Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's 39th season shifts inside its recently renovated black-box theater in the Paseo Arts District.

The not-to-be-missed limited run of the show continues through Nov. 19.

The long-running OKC professional company is one the first theaters in the country to stage "Born with Teeth," which is headed next year to the prestigious Oregon Shakespeare Festival after playing earlier this year at the esteemed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis.

Here's what you need to know about Oklahoma Shakespeare's "Born with Teeth":

'Born with Teeth' imagines the life of William Shakespeare during dangerous times

Set in London in the 1590s, "Born with Teeth" takes viewers behind closed doors for a fact-meets-fiction look into the relationship between now-iconic writer William Shakespeare (Malinauskas) and fellow English playwright Christopher “Kit” Marlowe (Marlow).

Directed by Shawn Churchman, the OKC production alluringly leans into the mysteries shrouding Shakespeare's real life as well as the dangers of making a name for yourself in England in those days.

Although the Elizabethan era is often heralded as a golden age for Britain, the latter days of Elizabeth I's life and reign (1558-1603) weren't so shiny, marked by poverty, famine, plague, wars, paranoia and often-fatal religious persecution.

"Born with Teeth" is set over three years during those treacherous times of an aging monarch, power-hungry aristocrats and an oppressive police state.

The fast-paced show conjures up a series of meetings in the back room of a pub between celebrated poet, known rabble-rouser and suspected spy Kit Marlowe and hungry — literally and figuratively — up-and-coming writer Will Shakespeare, who are tasked with collaborating on a history play cycle.

Punctuated by punk-rock hits by The Clash and The Runaways, the 90-minute literary spy thriller, performed without intermission, puts the audience in the barroom with Kit and Will as they quarrel, prevaricate and needle each other while trying to write an entertaining historic epic that won't get them killed in the tense political climate.

They also become unlikely friends, try to seduce one other — remember, this is a time when homosexuality was strictly forbidden but some of the sexiest scenes ever penned could only be staged between two men, with one dressed in drag — and worry that they will one day be called on to betray each other.

Oklahoma Shakespeare cast and crew give audiences plenty to chew on with 'Born with Teeth'

The capable Oklahoma Shakespeare cast and crew give audiences plenty to chew on with "Born with Teeth." Although it is set more than 400 years ago, Adams' new show has plenty of bite, with its human drama, moral conundrums and still-timely themes.

The entire story plays out in one barroom, and scenic designer Edward T. Morris, props designer Brittany Atkins and lighting designer Clara Wiebe do great work setting the scene. Annie Armstrong's costume designs not only evoke the period but also the changing fortunes of the characters.

In the past few years, Malinauskas, a 2019 Oklahoma City University alumnus, and Marlow, a recent University of Oklahoma graduate, have become frequent players on Oklahoma Shakespeare's stages, already appearing in this season's productions of "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Shakespeare in Love."

But Duffy's two-person play gives the emerging actors a prime showcase for their skills, and both of them feast on the opportunity.

'Born with Teeth' is a new and in-demand show, and it's playing right here in OKC

Oklahoma Shakespeare, which in 2017 staged Adams' "Or," a biopic of trailblazing playwright Aphra Behn, is getting its teeth into "Born with Teeth" as the new and in-demand show is starting to sweep the nation.

"Born with Teeth" just had its world premiere last year at the Alley Theatre in Houston. That production, directed by Rob Melrose, moved to Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater earlier this year. It will move again to Florida's Asolo Repertory Theater in February-March 2024 and Oregon Shakespeare Festival in March-September 2024.

The play had its second production in September at Aurora Theater Company in Berkeley, California.

And now it's playing in OKC, where the limited run was unfortunately shortened as at least one show had to be canceled due to the still-pesky, ever-persistent COVID-19.

This is the type of show that many OKC theatergoers, art lovers and entertainment seekers have often expressed interest in seeing performed here: the new, sought-after title that has yet to play in several bigger, sexier markets.

Hopefully, local audiences will take a bite out of "Born with Teeth" before their chance is gone.

'BORN WITH TEETH'

• When: Through Nov. 19.

• Where: Oklahoma Shakespeare's black-box theater, 2920 Paseo.

• Tickets: https://www.okshakes.org.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New 'punk inspired-fantasia' 'Born with Teeth' tantalizes in OKC run