A vivid reflection of majesty and power
By William Shakespeare
JULY 24 – AUGUST 4 | SCHUBERT THEATER
Notorious for his habit of wedding and beheading, Henry maneuvers through the political landscape of Renaissance England, hastening the rise and fall of cardinals and queens. Shakespeare’s extravaganza of the life of England’s most famous monarch mixes history, tragedy, and romance yielding great dramatic dimension and power.
Please note: This production will be rehearsed akin to the way Shakespeare’s company would have. Actors arrive with their lines learned, rehearse on their own, wear what they can find and open in a matter of days. (PSF usually rehearses for nearly four weeks!) No director. No designers. Just great actors, a dynamic play, and pure adrenaline, spontaneity, and creativity. Recommended for ages 10+.
Extras
- Prologues: join us for insights into the play in an informal setting. Free. Held in the theatre 45 minutes prior to curtain.
- Opening night, Thursday, July 25 – Join PSF staff and acting company for a friendly post-show champagne toast.
- Meet the actors for an informal talkback on Thursday, Aug. 1.
- Savoring Shakespeare. Delicious and themed to the play, with behind-the-scenes insights. August 3 & 4.
Co-Sponsor:
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Reading Eagle
“Exciting…. What makes “Henry VIII” worth seeing are the performances, in particular Ian Bedford’s King Henry, Richard B. Watson’s Wolsey and especially Susan Riley Stevens’ breathtaking turn as Queen Katherine, complete with a perfect Spanish accent.”
“Stevens’ Katherine nearly steals the show. It’s a thrilling portrayal…. She’s a knockout.”
“Wolsey’s soft-spoken plotting is chilling from the start.”
“Bedford’s immense presence is really all this Henry needs.”
There is a brilliant coup de theatre in that final scene that gives the evening a dazzling send-off. I’ll not reveal it here.”
Morning Call
“Shakespeare fest nails ‘Henry VIII’.”
“I have never seen Shakespeare’s play “Henry VIII” before but after attending opening night of the Pa. Shakespeare Festival production, I am a fan.”
“Susan Riley Stevens is mesmerizing.”
“Ian Bedford is a powerful and imposing Henry VIII.”
“Christopher Patrick Mullen is a versatile and agile actor and he plays his four roles with aplomb. He is riveting as the doomed Duke of Buckingham.”
Lehigh Valley Press
“Susan Riley Stevens is a strong and tragic heroine. Her monologue during the trial is the play’s dramatic apogee.”
“Emily Kiser, as Anne Bullen (Boleyn) radiates a vision of gentleness.”
Artists
CAST
Prologue/Epilogue/Lord Sands/First Gentleman/Earl of Surrey
Anthony Lawton*
Duke of Norfolk
Brandon Meeks
Duke of Buckingham/Old Lady/Griffth/Thomas Cromwell
Christopher Patrick Mullen*
Cardinal Wolsey
Richard B. Watson*
Secretary of Wolsey/Sir Henry Guildford/Crier
Jonathan Wallace
Brandon/Servant/Scribe
Marc Bitler
King Henry VIII
Ian Bedford*
Queen Katherine
Susan Riley Stevens*
Patience
Phoenix Best
Duke of Suffolk
Leo Bond
Surveyor/Second Gentleman/Cardinal Campeius/Garter King at Arms
Peter Danelski
Lord Chamberlain/Cranmer
Peter Schmitz*
Anne Bullen
Emiley Kiser
ARTISTIC TEAM
Production Stage Manager
Marguerite Price
Producing Artistic Director
Patrick Mulcahy
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Photos
Videos
More information coming soon.