There is not a moment when the energy from the stage is not driving, directing and compelling the attention of the theater goer in "Mary Stuart" performed by the Shotgun Players. On the brochure of the description of the Shotgun Players, their claim is to take theater, excellent theater, to the place of contribution to the community of man: a new understanding of the human race, a view of conflict that creates and destroys that fills the lives of the heroes that represent the common man dealing with life heroically. That's why we are subscribers, theater that takes on subjects that are in our face in the newspaper metaphorically or literally presented in the characters in the play and the action of the movement that directs the plays. Thinking, feeling, engaging, investing in areas of thoughts and experiences that you have tucked away unclaimed come alive in the theater presented by Shotgun Players.

Director Mark Jackson lets not a wasted moment happen in this two hours of thrilling theater. The pace and the intensity keep the audience relentlessly moving with the drama, feeling the drama of Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots to new places of inquiry and interest. A very strong ensemble led by Stephanie Gularte and Beth Wilmurt are in their finest hour as they deliver this excellent work. Beth Wilmurt has you at her side and you can see the decisions she's making that are not directly spoken of, you can feel her surrender not defeat in her recognition of the destiny that is to be hers. There is not a move or a glance that does not inform the audience of the internal struggle within her as she meets her fate.

The justification for war, for hate, for evil are dealt with so powerfully as demonstrated by the lonely Queen Elizabeth; Well performed by Stephanie Gularte, the Queen is the victim as she schemes to secure her sense of absolute security, absolute power by the destruction of Mary but she wants to keep her hands clean. She chooses the advisers who assist her in this process, who are well played in the their characters demonstrating their rabid zeal for claiming power for their own purposes, and in the end the Queen is left alone having rid herself of all her perceived threats from the presence of Mary on the earth, and having broken relations, broken trust with all around her. Both Mary and Elizabeth have met their destiny.

The story is known, the outcome is history, but The Shotgun Players in this "Mary Stuart" have this excellent performance with its vital pace exhalt the theater goer, renewing their passion, opening their minds and leaving the theater far richer than when they came in the door.

The Play closes Sunday with two shows; this is theater not to be missed.