On this Father's Day Eve, I went to Central Park to see New York Classical Theatre perform Henry IV.
Director Stephen Burdman adapted both parts of Shakespeare's two central plays from the Henriad into one two-hour performance, featuring a game cast frequently performing multiple roles.
Due to financial constraints, the production has to rely on considerable amounts of doubling, often with actors changing their personas purposefully in full view of the audience. Juan Luis Acevedo, for instance, plays the rebellious Northumberland, only to then personify law and order as the Lord Chief Justice.
Some originally male parts are also adjusted to be played by women. Anique Clements plays Ned Poins, now transformed into Bess Poins, as well as Edmund (now Countess) Mortimer. Carine Montbertrand plays the Earl of Worcester (also transformed into a Countess in this version) as well as the tavern keeper Mistress Quickly. One of the best female roles in the play is Hotspur's wife, Lady Katherine, played by Briana Gibson Reeves, who is this production also doubles as Bardolph.
Frequently, when companies combine the two parts of Henry IV, they basically just do Part One, and then a couple of scenes from Part Two. While this adaptation heavily leans on the first play, it also includes key scenes from the sequel sometimes left out of productions. These include the mourning of Lady Katherine and the politic maneuvers of Hal's younger brother John (played by Damian Jermaine Thompson, who also plays Hal's foil Hotspur).
The show is still in previews, but is scheduled to run until June 30th in Central Park. Then, it will be playing from July 2nd through 7th in Carl Schurz Park and July 9th through 14th in Battery Park. See it if you can!
