Chautauqua Theater Company to Close Season with Shakespeare's HENRY V

Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC), under the leadership of Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch and Managing Director Sarah Clare Corporandy, presents William Shakespeare's Henry V from August 14 through August 21 on the Bratton Stage.

Up-and-coming Director Evan Cabnet (Broadway's anticipated Therese Raquin, Primary Stage's The Model Apartment) makes his Chautauqua Theater Company debut. Henry V stars returning Conservatory Actor Jonathan Majors (Yale School of Drama) in the title role. Majors received rave reviews for his performance in CTC's 2014 productions of A Raisin in the Sun. Henry V's large ensemble cast features the entire 2015 Conservatory Acting Company.

The 2015 Conservatory Acting Company is comprised of Matthew Baldiga (Mr. Marks in CTC's Intimate Apparel; American Conservatory Theater), John Bambery (The Juilliard School), Jack Berenholtz (New York University Graduate Acting), Myles Bullock (George in CTC's Our Town; University North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Audrey Corsa (Emily in CTC's Our Town; The Juilliard School), Ricardo Davila (Yale School of Drama), Kate Eastman (Mrs. Van Buren in CTC's Intimate Apparel; The Juilliard School), Jessica Ko (Brown University/Trinity Rep), Keren Lugo (New York University Graduate Acting), Kevin Shewey (University California, Irvine), Kyle Vincent Terry (George in CTC's Intimate Apparel; Brown University/Trinity Rep), and Whitney White (Mayme in CTC's Intimate Apparel; Brown University/Trinity Rep graduate).

The creative team for Henry V includes Lee Savage, Set (CTC's Our Town, A Raisin in the Sun); Tracy Christensen, Costumes (Broadway: Show Boat, Company [New York Philharmonic], Souvenir); Justin Townsend, Lighting (Broadway: Casa Valentina, A Night With Janis Joplin, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Other Place, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson); and Matt Tierney, Sound (Broadway: Machinal). Jenny Kennedy is Production Stage Manager.

One of the World's Greatest War Stories by the World's Greatest Playwright

Juxtaposing the thrills of heroism with the painful consequences of warfare, Henry V is above all a story about the complexities of leadership and the unease within the head that wears the crown. The talents of the entire 2015 Conservatory bring to life this relevant masterpiece that combines politics, comedy, and romance on the battlefield and off.

"Though Shakespeare's time can seem far off from our own, his works continue to be relevant to modern audiences," says Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch. "Henry V is no exception. Henry V's plot focuses on England's invasion of France during the historical Battle of Agincourt. Along the way, the play explores a variety of themes that are still debated today, such as nationalism, warfare, and the responsibility of leaders. As we head into an election year, there is no better play to make you contemplate and evaluate the qualities of great leadership."

William Shakespeare is widely considered to be the world's greatest playwright. Shakespeare's prolific works include the 36 comedies, histories, and tragedies printed in his First Folio and another collection of 154 sonnets. Henry V is a history play that continues the story of King Henry V of England and the Hundred Years' War.

Henry V is part of a cycle of historical plays that Shakespeare begins with Richard II and the three parts of Henry IV. "Though Henry V is one section of a larger historical narrative, presenting the play as a stand-alone work has great theatrical value," explains Evan Cabnet, who directs the production. "In Henry V, Prince Harry, who was a wild young man in Henry IV, has matured. Because Henry is older, Henry V goes beyond a coming-of-age story to instead grapple with the weighty obligations of a king. The play speaks to the highs and lows of being a leader and the audience is left to ask how who we choose as our leaders reflects who we are. "

Performance Calendar

Friday, August 14 at 8:00pm (preview)

Saturday, August 15 at 4:00pm (opening)

Sunday, August 16 at 2:15pm

Sunday, August 16 at 8:00pm

Tuesday, August 18 at 2:15pm

Wednesday, August 19 at 2:15pm

Wednesday, August 19 at 8:00pm

Thursday, August 20 at 4:00pm

Friday, August 21 at 4:00pm

Tickets for Henry V are $35 and are on sale now. For more information and to order online, please visit www.ctcompany.org.

Student Special: As part of CTC's commitment to education, students may purchase $25 tickets to any performance of Henry V. Tickets may be ordered by visiting the Chautauqua Institution Main Gate or calling 716.356.6250.

To receive discount, students must present valid ID when picking up tickets. Limit 2 tickets per student. This offer is not applicable on previously purchased tickets.

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