CSC's "Henry V": Once More into the Breach (Review Pt. 2)

◊◊◊◊ out of five.  Special BWW reader discount!  See below for details!

This is Part 2 of the review of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's production of Henry V, directed by James Ricks.  The play, in repertory with As You Like It, plays its final performances Thursday and Friday.  (As You Like It plays Saturday and Sunday.) 

When we last left brave Henry V, he was mid-battle with France, vastly outnumbered, but brave nonetheless.  One of Shakespeare's histories, the ending isn't necessarily known before the final curtain, whereas with a comedy you know all will end well, and with a tragedy, you know our hero (and many others) will end up dead.  But here, at least with this play, there is something for everyone.  There are many dramatic, rich scenes full of emotion and depth.  There is comedy aplenty.  And there is a ton of action – sword fights, beheadings (offstage) and a pretty steep death toll – this is a war, after all.  And, as always, CSC's commitment to making Shakespeare accessible to all is clearly evident in everything from the blocking to the careful delivery of lines, making this place a must see for anyone interested in good entertainment, not just Shakespeare's plays.

 Lindsay Kitt Wiebe as the Chorus does fantastic work setting the scene and tone for each act, and in bringing the whole play to a close.  Several other supporting actors do exceptional work in later parts of act one and in act two.  Chief among them are Steve Beall, whose Fluellen is both a fierce, impassioned warrior and a raucously funny everyman.  Beall's accent is spot-on, and his clear delivery adds much to his character.  Also excellent is Kevin Costa, who plays a variety of roles, and in act two, as one of Henry's soldiers, sings a lovely song just before the troops face their toughest battle.  It is almost a 60's peace rally song, and is appropriate both to the play and the times in which we are currently living. 

Two actors especially standout, though.  Colby Codding gets to play both sides of the actor coin with his devilishly fun turn as Nym, a drunk soldier with a short fuse and even shorter knife, and with a much more serious role, the Dauphin, son of the King of France, whose arrogance and swaggering bravado would be laughable were it not for the consequences of his actions.  Codding is equally at home in both roles – his comic timing is impeccable and his dramatic reading could make your blood boil just listening to him.  Michael Sullivan, as Pistol, the soldier with a reputation for being braver than he is, is an absolute scream.  Sullivan is both a gifted comic actor and physical comedian.  A scene involving him and Beall and a leek is a highlight of the second act.

 

The real draw here, though, is Patrick Kilpatrick as Henry V.  His first act performance has improved much since opening night – he no longer looks or sounds awkward in his opening scene, and having seen his performance in the whole play, it is thrilling to watch him build layer upon layer to this fascinating character.  He starts as a somewhat arrogant young king, working feverishly to get rid of his playboy reputation, and ends as a tower of strength tempered with humility.  In between, Kilpatrick imbues his king with all of the traits of a truly great leader.  At turns, he shows fearlessness and fear, arrogance and humility, strength and bravery.  Kilpatrick's Henry clearly loves his men and appreciates their sacrifice.  Later, he turns on the charm in wooing his soon-to-be-queen (the beguiling Laura Sicari); it is a cute scene where he bumbles and blushes like a teenager asking for a date to the prom.  His performance is remarkable. 

Guest director James Ricks has created a swift moving train of a show, with lightning fast scene changes.  He has also crafted some nice stage pictures, using the tall stone walls and windows of the venue to full advantage.  Nowhere is his direction better, though, than in the post battle scenes, where the English are becoming increasingly warn down.  Such attention to detail really creates great empathy for the vastly outnumbered soldiers.  And in the chief battle scene, Ricks has staged a stunningly theatrical representation, made even more amazing by a most excellent lighting/shadow effect.  You see no bloodshed, but the effect of what you do see is simply amazing.  One hopes to see more of Mr. Ricks' work in the future. 

With the success of both summer productions, CSC proves again why they are really the tops at Shakespeare for the masses.  And they leave no doubt as to why they were selected for inclusion in this year's Shakespeare in Washington Festival.  Congratulations to all involved! 

Last Chance to See Henry V!!  Especially for Baltimore Broadway World Readers: 2 for 1 discount ($25 tickets only) good ONLY on Thursday, July 5th www.ChesapeakeShakespeare.com or 866.811.4111 Use code "BWW" or bring this offer to the gate

PHOTOS: TOP: Steve Beall as Fluellen.  BOTTOM: Laura Sicari and Patrick Kilpatrick.

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