BBW Review: Long Live KING CHARLES III

Is England prepared for Prince Charles' ascension to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II? King Charles III, making its regional premiere in the Arizona Theatre Company's 50th anniversary season, explores his possible future reign.

As the audience find their seats, mourns begin to take the stage, carrying candles and a framed photograph of the late queen. Joining them as Mike Bartlett's play truly begins, are members of the royal family: Prince William (Adam Haas Hunter), Kate (Kate Maher Hyland), Prince Harry (Dylan Saunders), and Camilla (Cathy Dresbach). Taking center stage in this line of royals is none other than the new king, Charles (Peter Van Norden), who is emotionally torn.

The longest standing heir as finally become king, but he has also suffered the loss of his mother. Throughout the course of the play, Van Norden shows us a Charles struggling not only to find his footing as king, but with his own emotions and morals. He is a man in turmoil. He is a man trying to make his place in history; he is a man trying to be a good father.

Charles, ultimately, comprehends the role of the monarchy, the role of the king historically. The comprehension, however, does not translate into practice entirely well, as seen when approached by the Prime Minister, Mr. Evans (Corey Walter Johnson), wanting the new king's signature on a bill restricting the freedom of the press. Given the situation surrounding his first wife's death, one seems surprised when Charles refuses to sign.

As does Mr. Evans, considering the signature is simply ceremonial and Charles has no say in the matter.

Thus begins the chaos of Charles' reign -- and oh does chaos strike the royal family, Parliament, and the entire United Kingdom.

King Charles III encompasses an ensemble of actors who deliver Bartlett's Shakespearean iambic pentameter dialogue flawlessly and effortlessly as they bring to life not a 'what-if,' but a 'what-might-happen-when' situation the royal family will ultimately face. It is a play that sets the bar high for a 50th season at the ATC that is sure to be memorable.

The Arizona Theatre Company's 2016-2017 season is sponsored by I. Michael and Beth Kasser. King Charles III runs until September 30th at the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson (total run time for 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission). Tickets start at $25 a piece. They can be purchased at the box office at the Temple of Music and Art (333 S. Scott Ave), online at www.arizonatheatre.org, or by calling the box office at (520) 622-2823. Discounted rates are available at all performances to seniors and active military members. Students can purchase rush tickets for $10 at all performances and half-price rush tickets are available for balcony seats one hour prior to curtain at the ATC box office.

Following King Charles III will be Act of God (October 22 - November 12); Fiddler on the Roof (December 3 - 31); The River Bride (January 14 - Feb 4); Ring of Fire (March 4 - 25); and closing the 2016-2017 season will be Jeffrey Hatcher's commissioned play by the ATC, Holmes and Watson (April 15 - May 6).

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