Wooed and Won at the Shakespeare Santa Cruz Glen

“You have witchcraft in your lips, Kate.” Henry V by William Shakespeare

  Act 5, scene 2

Alas, I was wooed and won again last Friday eve by the epic, rousing, splendid production of Henry V presented by Shakespeare Santa Cruz Director Robert Mullins and his cast of players. The set is simple and magically created by Michael Ganio and his team. The costumes by B. Modern add a gorgeous touch to this sumptuous play.

Henry V is an audience favorite and living up to expectations can be difficult, because it is so beloved. However, our Santa Cruz Shakespeare company brings us through the journey with them with great ease. The cast moves us swiftly through the scenes with smooth transitions and the audience can feel the cast cohesiveness.

 Henry V is the culmination of Shakespeare’s Henry plays, and Prince Hal is all grown up proving to be fierce, noble and well -loved King. His frivolous party days are over, as signified with the death of beloved, Falstaff. The jovial Knight Falstaff dies of a broken heart according to his friends because King Henry refuses to acknowledge him. The symbolic ending to good Prince Hal’s youth.

Before there was heroic, Captain Kirk of the Star Trek Enterprise, there was good, King Henry V. Esteemed actor, Charles Pasternak, masterfully delivers the audience a wistful, powerful and finally all grown up King Hal. His portrayal is mature and has a nuanced elegance.  His equal on stage and foe is the Dauphin of France portrayed by William Elsman, he is energetic, flexible, droll and with amazing stage presence.

The commanding performance by Marco Barricelli (Artistic Director ) playing the chorus and Burgundy , brings a wonderful touch, or as Marion Adler (Hostess/Alice) stated in her follow up interview when asked about the wonderful cohesion of the cast, “Marco is like a really good host of a party, he knows exactly who to invite.” And it does feel warmly, festive at the Glen, while canopied by the redwoods watching Shakespeare’s beloved characters come to life.

 If it seems there’s a whole lot of testosterone on the stage, wait till you see the women characters performances.  They provide balance to this play with their equally strong performances and light, comedic timing.  One particular performance that stood out was by Marion Adler (quoted above), who played Hostess/ Alice, was funny, touching and memorable in her scene with the death of Falstaff and saying her goodbyes to her beloved friends and family off to war.

Beatrice Basso makes a charming and very witty Princess Katherine casting no question why King Henry is quite smitten with her almost immediately. The "boy" role was played by actor intern, Alexandra Ho with an exuberant performance. Her star is just beginning to shine and we shall see more of this talented actor in the future. The entire cast from the ensemble to the hilarity of the scene with the Scottish soldiers interactions with the thick brogues, later the feisty Welshman, to the “leek” scene( you will never eat leeks the same after this).

I tried to find a flaw in this production, as I have seen over six different productions of Henry V including performances at some world renowned playhouses. However, this production by Shakespeare Santa Cruz was simply the best I have seen in years.

The audience obviously agreed with my views since the end of the play brought the audience to its feet with a well-deserved standing ovation.  

 Just as Princess Katherine was wooed and won by her King, so was this audience member by the memorable time spent at Shakespeare Santa Cruz Glen theater. I would urge all to take a picnic and go to see a play, ‘tis a wonderful way to spend a summer evening.

For more information on tickets and schedules, contact shakespearesantacruz.org.