Staged Reading of 'The Girl Who Would Be King' - My Review

Tonight I attended a staged reading at Phoenix Stage Company in Naugatuck. As part of their New Works Series, the PSC has been hosting a total of eight staged readings under consideration for production in their 2015 season. The New Works Project Coordinator is Donna Storms and Ed Bassett is the New Works Project Director. The script that was chosen for this evening was The Girl Who Would Be King by Jan O'Connor of Hollywood, CA. Ms. O'Connor is an award-winning playwright whose works have been produced throughout the country. This two act play is based on Mark Twain's short story "A Medieval Romance"

ABOUT THE READING - We’re in the mythical land of Flugelhorn, in an age when only men held power and women were taught to be meek and submissive. The Duke of Lesser Flugel is raising his child to be the next king. But there is a problem. His child was born a girl and the law states that only a man can be king and rule the kingdom. Follow young Basil on her journey to become that man she was born to be. Will she rule the land or will her secret be exposed, condemning her to a life of needlepoint?

I really enjoyed this light piece with a message that featured many Phoenix Stage veteran actors who were directed by Jane Coughlin. All the characters wore wonderful medieval headgear and had identifying nametags on the back of the music stands holding their scripts.

The voice of Janice Connor was perfect for the role of the Story Teller. Tim Cleary read the role of King Heimlich and Alana Kingsley was his lovely daughter Princess Clotilda. Jonathan Ross played the Duke of Lesser Flugel and Ms. Storms was his Duchess. Lori Poulin wore a great hat for her role as the ladies in waiting and KC Ross covered the role of Basil. Mr. Bassett and John Fabiani played a host of other characters.