Seattle Shakespeare - a memorable Henry IV
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| Seattle Shakespeare - a memorable Henry IV | |
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by Miryam Gordon -
SGN A&E Writer Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 Directed by Stephanie Shine Seattle Shakespeare Company Through November 16 Henry IV is usually two full Shakespearean plays, but Dakin Matthews has created a one-play, three-act adaptation that is being performed by Seattle Shakespeare Company. It allows for us to get the gist of both in one evening. This Shakes production is marvelous. Its usual thriftiness in staging is made up for by the sumptuous acting you can experience. This is a huge cast for any director to manage, even though almost everyone has at least two roles to play. Stephanie Shine deftly weaves together the strands of scenes into a seamless tapestry. The evening is long, but many Shakespeare productions seem just as long, even when only one play is being presented. But there are two intermissions, so you don't have to be too uncomfortable waiting for that bathroom break. Henry IV focuses on the evolution of a dissolute Prince Hal, whose father, Henry IV, is convinced that the prince will never live up to anything good, since he spends his time drinking, whoring and stealing - for fun. David Pichette is the picture of a disappointed father, despairing of his oldest son, and showing favoritism to the younger. Tim Gouran begins the play with all the fun and frivolity he can muster, but gives a tiny hint of the steel in his form, when he proclaims that he will redeem himself when the time is right. Gouran's antics, both redeemed and unredeemable, shape the evening, as Hal plays adopted son to the rogue, Sir John Falstaff, and eventually becomes the "good" son any father could desire. Gouran masterfully plays the full range of a young man's growth into a king that England could be proud of. Richard Ziman plays Falstaff as a rogue with a heart of gold, Falstaff's only fault being making a living by taking advantage of others, but he means well. Ziman wrings every ounce of humor from the role, leaving the audience limp with laughter. Other standouts in this solid cast include Ben Gonio as the rebel Hotspur, Leticia Jaramillo at a tavern mistress, and Jon Lutyens, particularly in one role as Prince Hal's sidekick in deviltry, Ned. One enormous fight scene is a slick dance by Gordon Carpenter, as almost every cast members takes arms against someone. A brief, but beautiful, lullaby in Welsh is sung by Allison Standley, a most lovely and touching moment for her sweetly pure voice. For more information, go to www.seattleshakespeare.org or call 206-733-8222. Comments on reviews go to sgncritic@gmail.com. |
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