“Hail and Reign” is based on a true story from English history concerning a battle for the throne that took place between the well-meaning nobleman Stephen of Blois and the much-despised (if amusing) Empress Matilda. The play itself details the intriguing and ambiguous relationship between Stephen, Matilda, and Stephen’s wife – a very different Matilda (“Matty”) – as they interact with each other against the struggle for the throne. The story around which the musical is based comes from a relatively under-represented gem in English Medieval (12th century) history – but the musical is not really about kings, queens, and crowns. The major theme of the piece concerns the trials and tribulations human beings are willing to endure for the people they love.