Review: WOLF HALL PART II Brings Up the Bodies at Main Street Theater

BRING UP THE BODIES, Part Two of Hilary Mantel's theatrical double-feature, is playing in rep with WOLF HALL at MAIN STREET THEATER. Also directed by Rebecca Greene Udden, it is the conclusion of the saga of England's Tudor king, Henry VIII and his dynastic difficulties. Adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton, it is a close retelling of Mantel's historical novels by the same title.

---

That this work could be adapted at all for the stage, much less a small black box theater, is somewhat remarkable, but Udden and her team of more-than-capable actors and designers have done it proud.

For those of you who are accustomed to thinking of Sir Thomas More, later SAINT Thomas, as a hero, will have to adjust a bit here. He got his due in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, but in this telling, not so much. As written by Mantel, he emerges as overzealous and unbending, always willing to sacrifice the living for the good of their souls.

Another Thomas, Thomas Cromwell, Henry's right-hand man, is at the center of this story. (Don't worry about all the Thomases. There is even a scene around a council table where all attending are named "Thomas".)

Cromwell, the son of a blacksmith, has risen to great heights by sheer talent, the mentoring of the great and powerful Cardinal Wolsey, and a propensity to be at the right place at the right time.

When BRING UP THE BODIES begins, both Wolsey and More have been gotten rid of, in one way or another, and Cromwell has the king's ear. The Great Matter, that of making Anne Boleyn his wife and queen, is still unresolved, but not for long. Acting on Cromwell's advice, a way is finally found, and Queen Anne reigns supreme. Or does she? Through the machinations of the court, who hate her high and mighty ways, and Cromwell's pragmatic insight, she too falls.

It's a tragedy that has fascinated us for centuries, a tragedy as Shakespearian as any Shakespeare wrote. If you doubt its power, the fact that, in this age of Snapchat, and at a running length of nearly three hours, full houses sit riveted to the end, should convince you.

Much of the credit goes to the talented, and apparently tireless, cast and crew. The MAIN STREET stage at Rice Village is not large; the house seats only 104. But thanks to the outstanding work of Sound Designer Shawn W. St. John, and Lighting Designer Eric L. Marsh, we are able to suspend disbelief almost instantly, and live in the moments as they are presented. Set Design by Liz Freese is by necessity minimal, but skillfully placed. Margaret Crowley's costumes are accurate and believable.

A cast of twenty-five is a rare luxury in a small company, but even this number is not sufficient without doubling parts, and in most cases this is accomplished seamlessly.

There are stand-outs, of course, and at the top of this list is Joel F. Grothe as Thomas Cromwell. He is in virtually every scene, the energy that drives the play, and, although I saw the two parts on two consecutive evenings, I saw no sign of fatigue in either. His sheer stamina is remarkable, and his portrayal is spot on. Grothe has a soothing baritone voice that suited the character perfectly, and I found myself believing anything he said. If the real Cromwell had such a voice, it's no wonder Henry listened to him.

His adopted son, Rafe Sadler, played earnestly by Will Sanders, is a more than able support, and his faithful French servant, Christophe (Laurent Pratt) provides a sarcastic French touch to the proceedings.

King Henry (Blake Weir), despite his power and glory, is a tragic figure, ruled by his passions, which he does little to control. He rules by divine right, so in his view, he cannot err as other men. His relentless drive for a a male heir, combined with his lustful proclivities, leaves a trail of destruction that ultimately consumes him. Weir acts his rage well, but the audience does not sympathize; his character is too one-dimensional.

Rutherford Cravens is pitch-perfect as Cardinal Wolsey. He appears in Part Two only as a ghost, commenting, and giving advice to his former protégée Thomas that shows his droll sense of humor.

Sir Thomas More (Joel Sandel) is another haunting presence from the grave.

Lisa Villegas is properly imperious as Anne Boleyn; watching her reckless actions seal her fate is uncomfortable, knowing what her end will be.

Both parts of this production are first-rate, and if you know your Tudor history, each stands on its own, but if you don't, then WOLF HALL ends before the story's conclusion, and BRING UP THE BODIES hangs in mid-air. Better to see both.

WOLF HALL and BRING UP THE BODIES will continue in repertory at Main Street Theater in Rice Village through December 18. If you like historical drama with a punch, you can't go wrong with these.

BRING UP THE BODIES. 2540 Times Blvd. For more information, call 713-524-6706 or visit mainstreettheater.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.