Reign Check
Presented by Common Ground Arts: In spite of desperate pleas for his resignation from his crumbling kingdom, King Leslie — a ridiculous, self-absorbed monarch at the twilight of his 93-year reign — clings spitefully to his tattered authority at the expense of his ailing subjects.
Right out of the medieval gates, we were blasted backwards into a world of peasant mobs, pitchforks and torches, and hilariously tyrannical rulers. Reign Check, an absurdist theater production written by Michael Watt, is truly unique; from its unbound crude humor to its modern political relevance, this show has everything to offer.
Throughout Reign Check, the audience is cast as an unruly mob, attempting to replace the infantile King Leslie and end his reign of terror. King Leslie is joined by Nigel, his servant and straightman, to attempt to sway the masses away from usurping him. Through drawn out stories and audience interactions, we learn more about the King and his many, many faults, fueling the already ripe flames of rebellion. This crudely hilarious story is accompanied by countless tantrums and witty political commentary, mocking politicians’ childish manipulative tendencies and self victimization. In a final blaze of freedom and glory, the story ends on a note of hope; looking towards a future with only the looming shadow of Leslie in the backdrop of the past.
King Leslie himself was masterfully played, perfectly in character all throughout the production. Even as his balls were torn off, Leslie never broke out into untimely laughter. Additionally, the constant undertones of insecurity present in the character added immensely to the political satire of the show, truly embodying some politicians present in the modern day. His relationship with Nigel was equally spectacular; their shifting dynamic of King and servant to toddler and caretaker was masterfully balanced throughout the act, being one of the major points of comedy. Nigel himself was portrayed just as skillfully as Leslie, never shifting from his deadpan expression, even during the most absurd moments in the show. Both characters perfectly complement each other in their outstretched exaggeration yet balanced realism, making their relationship the undeniable highlight of the show.
In the heart of the Freemason’s Hall of Edmonton lies a throne room. Decorated with colorful and gaudy draperies, Reign Check’s set, designed by Logan Stefura, is a masterpiece in its own right. From the painting of Wilfred, the King’s beloved dead dog, to the legitimate skeletons under the floorboards, the passion and love that was put into the set was evident. The juxtaposition of hearty, natural ornaments with the neon sign reading “Save Water, Drink Beer” was truly a sight to digest and enjoy, with all elements ultimately adding to the overall performance. Alongside the spectacular set were gorgeous props, also designed by Stefura; wooden pitchforks, glowing torches, and fabric tomatoes were all handed out to the audience, furthering the already intense immersion. One prop that stood out to me was the King’s chalice. With the bottom of a golden saucer but the top of a sippy cup, the prop almost encapsulates the entire setting of the show.
Reign Check is truly something special. No where else will you find the perfectly absurd makings of a political commentary filled to the brim with vulgar hilarity and an opulent yet juxtaposition-filled set. Everything in this show comes together to artfully put to light the geriatric mess that is modern politics. I would strongly recommend this production to anyone looking for endless laughs and a show filled with boundless wit.
One of the craziest shows I have ever seen in one of the craziest venues I have ever been in. Out-there and wild. No holds barred.
Bonus points for some incredibly funny costume and set design.