REVIEW: Seattle Rep's KING CHARLES III Fails to Live Up to the Hype

[SeattleBdwyGeek]

Posted: 11/23/16 at 3:27pm

My review of KING CHARLES III at the Seattle Rep.

What did you think of the show?


Click Here to Read BWW Review: Seattle Rep's KING CHARLES III Fails to Live Up to the Hype

[Charley Kringas Inc]

Posted: 11/30/16 at 10:54pm

I thought this was pretty good. My main gripes were the actor playing Prince Harry, who spoke in a loud semi-monotone a decibel higher than everyone else, the slightly clumsy blackouts, and the way the plot doesn't quite manage to come together into a big bang at the end (the ghost seemed underused). There could have been a bit more overall stage business as well, there's some parking and barking happening that takes away from the energy of the (excellent) words.

 

On the other hand, the script is terrific, and the lighting is really well done. Robert Joy was a lot of fun, he puts a ton of energy into Charles's decline into mania, making him a really engaging character. I really felt bad for him. The cast does a good job of leaning into the dialogue and emoting the intent, so the Shakespearean density doesn't become overwhelming, which keeps the political intricacies afloat.

 

It was nice getting close seats for cheap from TodayTix but it's a really small theater, so it's hard to get a bad seat. Center back might be nice, too far to the side and you lose a couple moments of activity in the arches on the left/right.