KING

Rating:

Company: Walk&Talk Productions

Genre: Play-Dramedy

Venue: 2 - MTC Up the Alley

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This creative take on megalomania and abuse of power may seem very timely right now.

Creator/performers Duncan Cox, Tanner Manson and Ben Townsley play three rulers Napoleon Bonaparte, the Roman emperor Nero and King Henry VIII who end up in a weird netherworld where they while away time in between putting each other on trial for their crimes against humanity.

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It's a slightly absurd and intriguing way to explore the corrupting influence of unbridled power, and KING recently named a nominee for this year's Rintoul Award for best new Manitoba play at the festival gets points for stylish execution by its young creators and perfomers.

It'sa slightly absurd and intriguing way to explore the corrupting influence of unbridled power- Joff Schmidt

Besides some funny schtick and bits of smart writing, it also mixes in catchy and jangly rock tunes, and the image of kings as entitled rock stars makes perfect sense.

But it doesn't all hold together perfectly the constant sniping between the rulers wears thin at points, and the acting and musical performances are sometimes a bit uneven.

Still, KING is an ambitious and ultimately entertaining take on power. Reign on.