The Acting Company’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court” was fun. Directed by The Acting Company’s Artistic Director Ian Belknap, Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the Mark Twain novel was a fresh contemporary take on a classic. It was the story we knew in a way we haven’t seen.
Picture by Heidi Bohnenkamp
Lead character Hank Morgan, played by Andy Nogasky, was relatable and affable from start to finish. While attending his 15 year high school reunion as a failed inventor, he says he’s the guy who regrets everything because of the chances he didn’t take. Going back in time to King Arthur’s Court inspires him to take a risk which ends up changing his present day life. The ending has a little bit of a “Back to the Future” feel.
When some people say it a story is “contemporary”, the references are general. It could be set anywhere from the 1990’s to present day because it mentions computers and this thing called the internet. The characters took videos with their phones which were then used later in the story. Political references were a couple years old but still topics we’re discussing today. When Hank challenges Merlin’s approach to creating weapons, he brings to mind President Bush’s regime when he says (paraphrase), “If your contracts rely on destroying ogres, you need to produce a lot of ogres.” Even 3D printing to create guns is brought up and used in the play.
Picture by Heidi Bohnenkamp
It was fun seeing the ensemble in multiple characters starting in their present day characters and then several different roles in King Arthur’s Court, requiring quick changes.
As Belknap promised, the energy was high and the pacing was fast. The comedic timing was crisp and accurate. It should have a great run.
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