Players' Shakespeare: Onstage Presents HENRY V, Now thru 8/3

Players' Shakespeare: Onstage presents William Shakespeare's Henry V, the sixth annual summer Shakespeare production at The Gallery Players. Inviting audiences to let 'your imaginary forces work', rounding out period-suggesting set and costume designs, Henry V will be produced virtually uncut, following both historical and textual cues, honoring Shakespeare's craft by selecting production elements simply to serve the story.

And the story: Crown Prince Henry, formerly known as a playboy and wastrel, an embarrassment to his father and his country alike, amazes his detractors and former cronies when, upon ascending the throne, he becomes a model of kingship. The play covers his most well-known accomplishment: the conquering and annexation of France. In the process, Henry articulates one of the English language's most stirring evocations of leadership and nationalism: his 'band of brothers' speech.

Getting Henry's 'band' back together is director Padraic Lillis, a 2013 Indie Theater Now Person of the Year; winner of the 2013 New York Innovative Theater Outstanding Director Award, Labyrinth Theater member; and Artistic Director of The Farm Theater. Gallery audiences may remember his previous Gallery successes, including Romeo and Juliet, Spoon River Anthology, and Waiting for Godot. Saddling up as the reformed Prince Hal is Peter Collier, of Labyrinth, Cherry Lane, and Actors Studio theaters.

Henry V opens this evening, July 17th, and runs for 13 performances through Sunday, August 3rd, 2014. Performances will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm. There will be one 'pay-what-you-will' performance Monday, July 21st, at 7:30 pm.

Otherwise, tickets are $18 for Adults and $14 for senior citizens, students, and children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased 24/7 online at www.galleryplayers.com or by calling OvationTix at 212-352-3101 (phone hours 9-9 weekdays, 10-6 weekends). Henry V is an approved Actors Equity Association showcase.

Collaborating with Director Lillis are Producer, Dominic Cuskern; Set Designer, Scott Tedmon-Jones; Lighting Designer, Scott A. Cally; Costume Designer, Irma Brainard; Sound Designer, Jacob Subotnick; Properties Designer, Sara Slagle; Assistant Director, Julie Lucas; Production Stage Manager, Casey Pratt; and Assistant Stage Managers, Sara Rose Kearns and Timothy Sheridan. There is a cast of 25 Shakespeareans: Kristine Amarante, Izzy Anthony, Paul Battiato*, Kevin Blackwelder, Andrew Blair, Alan Brincks, Richard Busser, Maria Camilo, Peter Collier, Ramiq Harris, Marcus Johnson*, Sam Laakso*, Laura Lassy*, Bernadette Maass, Samantha Maurice, Elliot Mayer*, Jessica O'Hara-Baker*, Rafa Perez, Jessica Ranville, Jonny Schroeder, Gregory Wilson, Jason Wilson, Ewa Maria Wojcik, Jae Woo, Taamu Wuya. (*member of Actor's Equity Association)

Following the July 20th matinee, there will be an open discussion between Mr. Lillis and Kate Farrington, Dramaturge and Artistic Associate at The Pearl Theatre, in which they will discuss Director Lillis' long-standing interest in the play and its optimistic portrayal of a leader who overcomes his flaws for the good of his country.

For those interested in Shakespeare's Henry V prequels, staged readings will be held each Saturday of the run at 2:00 pm. July 19th: Richard II, directed by Sidney Fortner; July 26th: Henry IV, Part 1, director Dominic Cuskern; August 2nd: Henry IV, Part 2, director Julie Lucas. Readings are free of charge, and donations are welcome.

ABOUT GALLERY PLAYERS

A New York institution since 1967 - nearly 50 years - The Gallery Players' season comprises three plays and three musicals from both classic and contemporary repertoire; the season finale is the annual Black Box New Play Festival, which workshops and presents world premier productions of works by emerging playwrights. Gallery has received the Off-Off Broadway Review's 2000 Award for Lifetime Achievement, as well as Innovative Theater (IT) awards for outstanding musical for Urinetown, Yank, and Like You Like It, and has earned the reputation of "New York's Best Kept Secret." The Gallery Players is located at 199 14th Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

ABOUT PLAYERS' SHAKESPEARE

Players' Shakespeare is Gallery's classical initiative: a home for The Bard in Brooklyn. PS has evolved from its initial production of King Lear in 2009 to a platform comprised of three divisions: OnStage, PlayerStudio, and Revels. As good as its name, Players' Shakespeare: OnStage projects-fully realized productions, staged readings, and school-based programming-focus on Shakespeare's plays and the players who bring them to life. Currently in development, Players' Shakespeare: PlayerStudio will afford training and study opportunities; Players' Shakespeare: Revels will host a variety of events, such as the Chris'ning Pub Crawl, celebrating Shakespeare's christening by hoisting and quoting. Throughout its year-round program of productions, education, and events, the Players' Shakespeare platform at The Gallery Players is dedicated to the discovery, understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare.
Website: http://galleryplayers.com/players-shakespeare.

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