Lifeline Theatre presents a World Premiere adaptation of Terry Prachett’s MONSTROUS REGIMENT.
A vampire, a troll and an Igor walk into a war…
The set-up of Lifeline’s newest production is a comical fantasy. It sets the tone for an adventure riddled with humor. Borogravia is at war. When her soldier brother goes missing, the feisty Sara Price (Perks) disguises herself as a dude to join the army. Her comrades-in-arms are a motley crew of misfits.
Playwright Chris Hainsworth adapts Terry Prachett’s Discworld Novel. The story intrigues. These vagabonds pledge their allegiance to a mystical duchess. Act 1 whizzes by as Hainsworth introduces the colorful characters. The story has the hilarity of “Stripes” combined with the warrior cross-dressing of “Mulan.” Hainsworth’s dialogue crackles with one liners often hilariously delivered by his wife Katie McLean Hainsworth (Igor). McLean Hainsworth uses a hunchback and lisp to comedy perfection.
Under the direction of Kevin Theis, the talented ensemble go over-the-top to exploit the absurdity. Robert Kauzlaric (Lt. Blouse) is outstanding in his buffoonery. Kauzlaric plays a bookish soldier turned spy. Between his affected diction and his two very animated fingers, Kauzlaric is a riot. In contrast, Michaela Petro (Maladict) exudes elegant posh as a vampire off blood and on coffee. The deadpan Petro is reserved sophistication until the java runs out. Another noteworthy performance is Justine C. Turner (Carborundum). In platform shoes and covered in rock, Turner is this slow-witted troll. Turner charms in her simpleton innocence within the fortress of her costume (designer Emily McConnell). The entire cast bring distinction to the variety of personalities represented in this band of brothers.
Whereas Act 1 was tight, Act 2 was muddled. Hainsworth tries to work in everyone’s backstories and later their epilogues. It reminded me of how a coach tries to give every kid a chance to play. Sometimes the bench needs to just be visible but not the focus. Act 2 gets overly-complicated in the detail. Some parts drag as the cross-dressing shtick gets repetitive and stale. I went in to intermission elated by the story. I left after Act 2 deflated by the weight of the excessive content.
Still, MONSTROUS REGIMENT is fun! This terrific cast is making a spectacle of itself. The laughs come fast and furious and then dwindle but never disappear.
Running Time: Two hours and forty-five minutes includes an intermission
At Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood
Based on the book by Terry Pratchett
Adapted by Chris Hainsworth
Directed by Kevin Theis
Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm
Sundays at 4pm
Thru July 20th
Buy Tickets at www.lifelinetheatre.com