Bold Choice, Big Show

"Henry IV" is one long show.  It runs over three hours, and one is acutely aware of it at times.

Despite its long running time, PlayMakers Repertory Company's production of "Henry IV" is well done.  The actors are well cast, the language well handled and the action fast-paced — especially in the latter half.  The production runs until March 4 in the Paul Green Theatre.

"Henry IV" is a coming of age tale that marks Prince Hal’s assent to the throne.  Amidst political unrest, Hal, a rowdy young man who spends most of his time drinking in a tavern with his band of misfit friends, rises to be crowned Henry V by the play’s conclusion.

The PlayMakers actors seemed to have more fun in Acts II and III of the play.  And the audience did, too.  This isn’t surprising, as Act I, in typical Shakespearean fashion, is mostly obligatory exposition.  

A note of caution to theatergoers not familiar with the play’s storyline: read the plot summary in the playbill beforehand.  Otherwise, you are in danger of being completely confused for the entire first Act.

The trick to Shakespeare is to never make how his words are said more important than what is said.  The actors in "Henry IV" were especially adept at letting Shakespeare’s text speak for itself.  The language, which could be difficult for less capable actors, never sounded stilted or overdone coming from the PlayMakers actors.  They handled each word with grace and strength.

Michael Winters, who plays Sir John Falstaff, Prince Hal’s surrogate father figure, is especially adept.  He skillfully plays the bumbling, good-natured Falstaff, whose weight is the butt of most jokes throughout the play.

But the show is certainly an acquired taste.  It doesn’t have the wide audience appeal that PlayMakers’ next production, “Noises Off,” which runs April 4 to April 22, will undoubtedly have.  "Henry IV" is a historical drama, after all.  It won’t bring in big crowds.  There were many open seats at the performance Saturday night and after two intermissions, yes two intermissions, the theater was even emptier.

The costume design was contradictory.  Though most of the actors were adorned in standard period costume, Prince Hal was dressed in distracting modern clothing.  He sported a hooded sweatshirt that looked like something out of a Gap advertisement in Act I, ripped jeans in Act II, and a white suit circa 1920s mobster in Act III.

The purpose of dressing Prince Hal in modern garb was most likely an attempt of the costume designer’s to emphasize Hal’s status as the leader of a new generation.  But this didn’t read. It was too bold.  His modern dress was distracting and unnecessary.  Costume design should never steal focus from the action onstage or from the playwright’s text.  Metaphors are best left to Shakespeare, not to costume designers.

Needless to say, "Henry IV" is definitely worth seeing.  The set is incredible with its steel scaffolding and trap door center stage.  The actors are skilled, the direction seamless and the sound and lighting design impeccable.  The production is a bold choice for PlayMakers and the company does justice to the enormous undertaking.

Shakespeare, whoever he (or she) was, would be proud.

Stay tuned for a review of "Henry V" within the next few weeks.

"Henry IV" and "Henry V" will run until March 4 in rotating repertory in the Paul Green Theatre.  Shows are at 7:30 p.m with additional 2 p.m. weekend matinees. For a complete calendar of show times, refer to the PlayMakers calendar.

Tickets range from $10 to $45.  To purchase tickets, call PlayMakers' box office at (919) 962-7529, or visit the PlayMakers website.