TV: First Look at Gregory Wooddell, Christina Pumariega and More in CST's HENRY VIII - Highlights!

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Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces William Shakespeare's Henry VIII, the first professional Chicago production in 400 years since its debut at Shakespeare's Globe in London. Staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines in CST's Courtyard Theater April 30-June 16, 2013, Henry VIII features a celebrated company of artists that includes Gregory Wooddell in the title role and Christina Pumariega as Anne Boleyn. The Acting Company features an ensemble of veteran CST actors which includes Kate Buddeke, David Darlow, Kevin Gudahl, Scott Jaeck, Ora Jones, David Lively and Mike Nussbaum. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production highlights below.

Written in the decade following the death of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry VIII dramatizes the king's historic divorce from Katherine of Aragon and his tumultuous marriage to Anne Boleyn. As the sordid tale of England's most opulent king unfolds, the political machinations and exploits of a monarch-notorious for his habit of wedding and beheading-are laid bare, and the future of England is forever altered with the birth of Queen Elizabeth.

Additional actors returning to CST for Gaines' production of Henry VIII include: Lance Baker as Gardiner, Adam Brown as Lord Sandys, William Dick as Lovell, Nathan Hosner as Lord Chamberlain and Samuel Taylor as Cromwell. Making his CST debut is Andrew Long as Buckingham/Cranmer. Rounding out the cast for Henry VIII are ensemble members Anu Bhatt, John Byrnes, Nick Druzbanski, Hillary Horvath, Alexa Ray Meyers and Cassandra Nelson.

Gaines' creative team for Henry VIII includes returning Scenic Designer Jim Noone (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Richard II), Jeff Award-winning Costume Designer Mariann Verheyen (As You Like It, Elizabeth Rex), Lighting Designer Anne Militello (The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Two Gentleman of Verona), Jeff Award-winning Composer and Sound Designer Lindsay Jones (Timon of Athens, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2), resident Jeff Award-winning Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal (The Madness of George III, Elizabeth Rex) and resident Properties Master Chelsea Meyers.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Henry VIII runs April 30-June 16, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $48-$78 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more, as well as CST for $20 tickets available for patrons under 35. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

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