Baldwin, Conrad, Etc. Set for NJ Staging of Henry V

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens its newly extended 2007 season a month earlier than in the past with William Shakespeare's epic Henry V, which has not been seen at The Shakespeare Theatre in a decade. Inaugurating The Shakespeare Theatre's historic 45th Anniversary Season, Henry V, directed by Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Bonnie J. Monte, begins previews on May 1 and continues performances through May 27. 

Leading a cast of more than 20 actors is Shakespeare Theatre company member David Conrad in the title role of King Henry V.  Conrad is well-known to national audiences through his work on CBS-TV's "Ghost Whisperer" in which he co-stars with Jennifer Love Hewitt.

"With Henry V, thought by some to be the first play ever presented on the 'wooden O' at London's original Globe Theatre, we witness the ascent of a charismatic and powerful leader who guides his nation to unity. The young, newly-crowned King Henry leads his troops against the much larger but unified army of France despite overwhelming odds. At the Battle of Agincourt, he rallies his troops and, with the help of the weather and a brilliant military strategy, the British defeat the French in a spectacular victory and King Henry V cements his place in history," state press notes. 

"In celebration of the 45th Anniversary Season, Henry V begins a journey for Shakespeare Theatre audiences through a 60-year epic cycle that is continued later in the season with Blood & Roses: Shakespeare's Henry VI. Adapted by Brian B. Crowe, this extraordinary production of Henry VI, Parts 1, 2 and 3, condensed into one evening, begins where Henry V ends -- with the death of King Henry V -- and continues with the rise of the 'child king' King Henry VI and the spectacular War of the Roses that ensues under his blind leadership."

Jack Wetherall ("Queer as Folk," Canada's Stratford Festival) takes on the role of Chorus, whose famous lines "Oh for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention…" begins the play.  Also featured in the cast is Kate Baldwin as Princess Katherine – King Henry's future French bride. Baldwin, making her Shakespeare Theatre debut, appeared on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Full Monty and Wonderful Town as well as several productions of the Encores! Series at City Center.

Returning to The Shakespeare Theatre are Ames Adamson as Captain Fluellen/Bishop of Ely, Richard Bourg as the Duke of Burgundy, Chantal Jean-Pierre as Alice, Darren Matthias as Nym, Ian Stuart as the King of France, Raphael Nash Thompson, and Scott Whitehurst as the Constable of France.  Making his Shakespeare Theatre debut is Brent Langdon as Pistol, part of Shakespeare's comic relief trio. Rounding out the cast are Salvatore Cacciato, Josh Carpenter, Anthony De Luca, John Patrick Doherty, Seamus Mulcahy, Philip Mutz, Garth McCardle, Scott McIntosh, Sean Tarrant and Christopher Thornton.

Performances are Tuesday through Sundays at The Theatre's Main Stage – the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. Regular ticket prices are $28-$52. Discount ticket packages of 7, 5 or 4 shows are also available. For tickets or more information, call 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

Kate Baldwin