Stepping Out

The story opens with an elderly man named Leo, and his grown son Frederick.  They are traveling entertainers who don’t have much luck.  Then Frederick encounters a woman named Anisette who’s on the run from an upcoming wedding.  She’s the bride.  She’s also the princess. 

Her brother, Prince Alfonse also happens to look exactly like Frederick!  The resemblance stops at the appearance. Prince Alfonse is a spoiled, self-adoring creep who doesn’t hesitate about marrying off his sister who wants out.     

Fortunately for her, there is a plot to assassinate the prince.  It isn’t her plot.  Alfonse’s royal regent Sergei wants to kill him.  And he finds the perfect method – replace Alfonse with Frederick.  That way Alfonse is away from all the people who can shield him.  He can also kill Frederick and Alfonse after he’s in a position to become the next ruler. 

So what is on Frederick’s royal agenda today?  Don’t sign anything without reading it.  Save your father‘s neck along with your own.  And don’t fall in love with the girl who thinks that you’re her brother!  So simple, right?

“The Gypsy King” is a musical, although it could have worked without the songs.

As always, the Village Theatre’s cast is sensational. 

Leading the cast in a duel performance is Eric Ankrim.  His characterizations are such polar opposites that you almost think you are seeing two actors.  Especially when these characters have to be together.

Luckily there is Casey Raiha.  He’s the body double, so that whenever Frederick and Alfonse meet on stage, his back is to the audience. Nonetheless they both have to play both parts, sometimes exchanging them numerous times in one scene.  It’s a remarkable illusion!  

Playing the high-spirited and confused Anisette is Katherine Strohmaier.  She’s been in several productions with Village Theatre. 

Richard Ziman plays the conniving and creative Sergei.  It’s very funny whenever the wheels in his head start turning. – particularly when he trying to find a way out of his own schemes. 

Frederick’s father Leo is played by Village Theatre veteran John Patrick Lowrie.  As a renaissance man of the stage, the Village Theatre is lucky have him in this show. 

Joanne Klein matches him beautifully as his woman Friday.  She plays Marie, Anna’s lady in waiting who knows more than anyone and tries to keep Frederick alive. 

Jose J. Gonzales plays Anna’s groom to be, Prince Dijon.  He’d actually be the perfect brother-in-law for Alfonse.  He’s almost as self-adoring as he is. 

Mark Carr and Nick DeSantis plays Sergei’s two dumb yet determined cohorts Gielgud and Godfried.  They’ve both been in productions, but were not paired previously.  Hopefully we can see the two together again.

The shows also shows a terrific ensemble cast that provides a lot of laughs.  Don’t miss this hilarious musical.

“The Gypsy King” plays at the Everett Performing Arts Center through May 23. For ticket information, call (425) 257-8600.