Exit the King

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I happened to be one of the priviliged few in this season of great theatre and performances in NYC to have been witness to such a theatrical masterpiece as Geoffrey Rush’s performance as King Berenger in Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist drama “Exit the King.”

From the moment that he walked onto the stage he began a journey into the soul of “everyman” and showed us a man dealing with his uncontrollable life and how one deals with the fact that at some point… we will all perish.

The company of actors made up of Susan Sarandon, Lauren Ambrose, Andrea Martin, William Sadler, and Brian Hutchison were equally thrilling in this ensemble piece. Most of the cast remains onstage the entire time, allowing us to witness, through characters, the different pieces that are within us all and how they relate to the important people that we choose to populate our “kingdom” with.

The scenic elements were very ethereal, a few hung tapestries, bare bulbs, and exposed supports all led the audience on a journey into an experience of viewing actuality in all of its physical value. The lone musician in the pit who played a variety of instruments, simultaneously, was equally an asset to the production adding musical sound to the emotionally invigorating moments of the piece.

Only a few more performances of this masterpiece are left to be seen.

     Well, I’ve finally seen a brilliant production at the Playwrights Horizons space on 42nd and 9th. Watching this cast interact and work through this piece is absolutely one of the most enjoyable experiences that I have had at a Non-Musical in NYC. All five of the actors are brilliantly cast and really do take on their respective lives to be played out through the script. A great scenic design which is at the same time simplistic and suggestive has been carried out by Rachel Hauck. The centerpiece of the stage is a metallic tree which figures in the turning point of the play but has implications throughout the rest of the piece. I would definitely suggest this to anyone who has any interest in theatre, it’s winner…. congratulations cast and crew!

      Well, what can I say? Coming from an ex-theme park kid, how can this show possibly go wrong? It has it all; great music, great movement, super-speedy transitions between scenes, a story with Heart (which seems to be so lost these days), and an Amazing Cast. I credit a good portion of this show’s success to the Director/Choreographer. He has stayed completely focussed on telling the story, without getting lost. Laura Bell Bundy shows expert skill at creating a truly loveable character while at the same time singing and dancing her way through an extremely difficult and taxing show (from a performer’s standpoint).

As for the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Tony awards; truly, someone, somewhere had it in for this show. It really is one of the most “FUN” shows on Broadway at the present time, which is, of course, one of main reasons people buy tickets to the Theatre; to have fun.

      Admittedly, I really like this show. This was my 6th time attending this particular musical, and as luck would have it, I finally was able to see an Understudy. Andy Karl was on for Michael Rupert (Prof. Callahan) and really did a great job of it. The ensemble seemed to be sporting a few new faces as well, which was nice, although…. the tall blonde guy is apparently out of the show… too bad….