Monstrous Regiment

Monsters and other fantastic characters will fill GreenMan Theatre’s stage this spring in Chris Hainsworth’s adaptation of bestselling author Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment. In Pratchett’s 2003 novel, a vampire, a troll, and an Igor join the Borogravian army to save their peace loving homeland from the war-mongering Zlobenians and their devious allies the Ankh-Morporkians! It’s “don’t ask, don’t tell,” when Sgt Jackrum lines up the troops to create his own version of “shock and awe.” When the Regiment learns that they are being sent to the front by their commander, Lt. Blouse, without time to properly train, the chant is “Borogravia, right or wrong,” at least until they receive new orders from the Duchess.

The comic fantasy Monstrous Regiment follows the adventures of Polly Perks, who disguises herself as a boy to join the army and search for her missing brother. She gets way more than she bargained for, serving alongside a rag-tag band of unlikely recruits. Her new friends include the vampire, Maladict, who has sworn off drinking blood, at least for a while. Also in the army is the troll, Carborundum, a stone-faced soldier who doesn’t need a weapon – Carborundum is a weapon! The army medic is Igor, equally skilled at dismembering a solider as in sewing them back together again. To set everyone’s mind at ease, Igor promises not to extract any brains while serving in the Regiment. Monstrous Regiment is a hilarious satire that was awarded four stars by the Tribune for the original 2014 premiere at Chicago’s Lifeline theatre. Justin Vidovic, who appeared in last season’s production of A Tale of Two Cities, directs GreenMan’s production.

Appearing in the production will be Cassandra Conklin as Polly Perks. Her Regiment is joined by Elizabeth Ley as Maladict, Allison Porschakin as Carborundum, Katie Soria as Igor, Katty Perrell as Wazzer, Therese Caldwell as Lofty, and Marnie Warner as Tonker. The Regiment is under the command of Derek Dillon as Sgt. Jackrum and Ryan McAndrews as Lt. Blouse. Also appearing in the production in multiple roles are Brenden Martens and Tom Ochocinski.