LA Review: 'Exit the King'

Have you heard the one about the end of the world? And what was that date again? For the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-about-me King Berenger, that would be in about, oh, 90 minutes. Surprise! But really? In this day and age—and at 400 years old—he so should have seen it coming.

In Eugene Ionesco's "Exit the King," the world's and Berenger's demise are pretty much one and the same, which makes perfect sense, particularly in a society that has far more tolerance for narcissism than criticism. So at 50-something, this absurdist work is still a gorgeous romp that plays hard with human perceptions of omnipotence and mortality in a wonderfully theatrical way.

The play has been given a new lease on life in a stunning modern translation by Neil Armfield and Geoffrey Rush, which enjoyed a hit Broadway run in 2009 starring Rush. Director Michel Matthys has a good handle on the material. With simple, clean staging in a large yet unpretentious auditorium (Susan Deeley Wells provides basic set pieces), the production has a bit of a workshop feel, but it works well when the performers and language are clearly focused.

Heading the small cast is the clownish yet powerful and touching Alexander Wells as the shining megalomaniac who refuses to fade. Wells is well matched by Gina Manziello as Queen Marie, his hilariously energetic young wife who urges him to cling to life even as the prophecies of doom come raining down. These are often in the form of end-of-life updates from the doctor (Joe Hulser), echoed for all to hear—whether the king likes it or not—by the loyal guard (Joseph Beck, a real comic treat).

More bad news comes in the unfortunate observations of Juliette, the overworked maid, and Amy Handelman delivers a down-to-earth, knockout performance. In the pivotal role of Queen Marguerite, Berenger's first wife, who is determined to strip him of the last vestiges of denial, Ellyn Stern has a harder time, and this imbalance creates some real problems. While this cheeky production often soars, it's disappointing that the ending falls a bit flat.

Presented by Classical Theatre Lab and the City of West Hollywood at Fiesta Hall, 1200 N. Vista St. (in Plummer Park), West Hollywood. Feb. 25–April 1. Fri.–Sun., 7:30 p.m. (800) 838-3006, (323) 960-5691, www.brownpapertickets.com, or www.classicaltheatrelab.org.