Latitude Theatre debuts in an excellent and fantastical fashion
Monstrous Regiment is being put on by Latitude Theater, adapted originally from the Terry Pratchett novel of the same name, brought to Seattle from Chicago where it was adapted for the stage by Christopher Hainsworth. This showing is directed by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom.
This play was absolutely hilarious. Each and every scene brought the entire audience together in laughs, pointing out the absurdities of war and the value of women in the military, contrary to the popular belief of the men in the world.
The set was amazing, allowing for scenes to change swiftly with the accompaniment of music, bringing the world to life with various backdrops and settings. The costumes fit the mood of the show very well, and added an incredibly realistic element to the show that sucked me into the world from the very beginning.
The show is filled with excellently performed fight scenes, with the actors moving across the stage with ease in a manner that glued the eyes to what was happening. The show integrated humor very masterfully into the more heavy premises of the futility to fighting and the unappreciative and dismissive manner with which women are treated, poking fun at how little sense either of those premises make.
The actors all did an incredible job, each perfectly embodying their character with all of their individual quirks and desires. Having a troupe of recruits consisting of four humans, one vampire, one troll, and one Frankenstein’s monster-esque being called an Igor, all women disguised as men, with a loving Sergeant and Lieutenant, this show offered me many much needed laughs and allowed me to escape into a fantastically meaningful story. I would highly recommend seeing this show if you have the opportunity, it is one of the best and most engrossing productions I have ever seen, constantly making me laugh while simultaneously allowing me to contemplate the mistreatment of women, especially when related to the military. This contemplation goes further and creates an endearing and empowering allegory for the capabilities of women, all while packed into a delightful action-comedy.
Monstrous Regiment is showing at the Isaac Studio at the Taproot Theatre Company, easily accessible by the 45 bus. It is showing May 18th through June 4th, with Wednesday through Saturday evening showings at 7:30 p.m, Sunday matinees @ 2:00 p.m, and one Saturday matinee on May 27th, also at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 dollars if you get them in advance, or $40 dollars at the door, with discounts available for veterans and members. If you have the chance and are looking for a highly enjoyable way to spend your evening, it is well worth it to go.
From Latitude Theatre’s press release: “Latitude Theatre is excited to announce a very special performances of Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment on Thursday, May 25th at 7:30pm. On that night, dubbed the Glorious 25th of May, the performance will be a Discworld cosplay night and fundraiser for Alzheimer’s disease research.
The Glorious 25th of May is a memorial holiday which originated in the Discworld novel The Watch and was adopted by fans in the Roundworld (Earth) when Terry Pratchett first announced his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The occasion is marked by the wearing of a lilac, so audience members at Monstrous Regiment on May 25th will have the opportunity to make a donation in exchange for a lilac to wear. Donations will go to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Washington State Chapter.”