“What does it mean to be a prince?” This question is at the heart of To Be A Prince, the latest production by Grownup Playhouse, featured at Paradise in The Vault @ The Annexxe. The show’s 40-minute runtime follows a prince who feels overlooked, striving to command the attention he believes he deserves. The performance uniquely incorporates a stage lamp as a "genius" (a playful take on the genie trope), adding a whimsical element to the narrative.
The Prince showcases a captivating baritone voice
Operating under a self-aware ‘low-budget’ approach, the production features a single actor on stage, with other characters voiced via pre-recorded audio. This creative choice demands impeccable timing and conviction from the performer, who must interact with unseen characters.
The actor portraying The Prince showcases a captivating baritone voice, with smooth control over the lower register. However, some of the character choices made left us a bit puzzled, as the character’s development seemed to remain somewhat static throughout the show.
The musical arrangements complement the prince's journey, providing an emotional backdrop to the narrative. The lyrics possess moments of charm and promise, and with further development and refinement the songs could reach their full potential.
The script is sprinkled with endearing and humorous instances that elicit smiles, although certain scenes feel drawn out, with character interactions occasionally stalling in development. Nevertheless, the interplay between live and recorded performances seemed to have maintained our attention most of the time.
Overall, I feel To Be A Prince is a charming production (pun intended) that, with additional development, could become a standout at the Edinburgh Fringe.
