←Recommendations of KING

This smartly written one-act manages to be both funny and chilling. It feels ever more apt in our current political climate. A highly entertaining read that would be simple (and quite fun) to stage in any short play festival. Well done!

This darkly comic allegory for the abuse of power and the erosion of rights seems all too timely, but in "King", Gene Kato skillfully uses comedy and absurdism to lead the audience exactly where he wants them before they know what's happening. A well-written piece that demands attention.

What darkly absurdist fun, like Mel Brooks and Hans Christian Andersen collaborated using acid-dipped quills. Kato neatly disguises the chilling message behind a blizzard of nearly non-stop one liners, dad jokes, and quick-witted ripostes piling up until you realize you’re in way over your head, trapped like the snowman at the center of the plot. Chilling, but hilarious.

What may seem to some as an absurd story of the fate of a snowman for doing what comes naturally in the heat of the moment, in the hands of Gene Kato becomes an allegory for the quest for power and cunning manipulation. There's a touch of Lewis Carroll ("Alice's Adventures in Wonderland") in the use of clever word-play, and Gene Kato does not miss a beat in both character and dialogue development.

A pointed short play with a dark message, wrapped in high comedy. Ceaselessly funny with a gut punch ending. Highly recommended.

Ten minutes of royal fun and snowman puns until you’re whacked with a twist! Definitely didn’t see that ending coming. With nonstop laughs and some great opportunities for physical comedy, actors would have a blast bringing this play to life and it would be a surefire crowd-pleaser at any festival, especially near the holidays.