Henry IV
*** 1/2
The Shakespeare Theatre 216 Third St. NW Metro Stops: Gallery Pl/Chinatown (202) 547-1122 Tickets from $16 to $66 [student discounts available]
In review of "Henry IV: Part I," the question that should be asked is not whether it is a good production, but rather, has the Shakespeare Theatre ever put on a bad play? As usual the cast, staging and costumes are of the highest caliber, and the play could run on Broadway.
Unfortunately, from the look of the audience, only the most seasoned theater veterans were willing to give the play a chance. "Henry IV: Part I" may not be considered one of Shakespeare's popular plays and, admittedly, the show is only the first of two, but it is wonderfully entertaining and well worth the pilgrimage to see.
As the play opens, Bolingbroke from "Richard II," now King Henry IV, faces rebellion from forces in Wales (led by Glendower), in Scotland (led by Douglas) and in Northumberland (led by Henry Percy, called "Hotspur," his uncle Worcester and his father, the Earl of Northumberland). At home, Henry bemoans the behavior of his son, Prince Hal. The prince spends his time at the Boar's Head Tavern consorting with low companions, including the fat knight Sir John Falstaff. Prince Hal vows to earn his father's trust when the time arises.
In Wales, rebellion continues. Owen Glendower, Mortimer the Earl of March, Hotspur and the Earl of Worcester plan how they will divide the kingdom after they overthrow the king. In London, the king reprimands his son and unfavorably compares his actions to those of Hotspur. Hal vows to change and leaves with the King to battle the rebels, but not before securing a command of foot soldiers for Falstaff.
The rebellion's forces are diminished, but Hotspur battles on. The king offers a pardon if the rebels surrender, but Worcester keeps this information from Hotspur. In the Battle of Shrewsbury Hill, Hal kills Hotspur in a fight, while Falstaff pretends to be dead to save his own life. After the battle Falstaff claims responsibility for Hotspur's death. Hal allows Falstaff to take the credit as he and his father prepare to fight the remaining rebels.
The plot may sound complicated but is surprisingly simplistic when seen on stage. Furthermore, the play is far lighter and, such as "The Winter's Tale," "Othello" or "Romeo & Juliet." The drunken, cowardly Falstaff is the comic relief, but the central characters also seem to recognize irony in their situation.
"Henry IV: Part I" centers around Prince Hal, the man who will be king. Hal does not undergo a radical transformation during the course of the play. He is born into nobility, and it courses through his veins regardless of his surroundings or associates. Hal is a thief who returns stolen goods with interest, and a drinker who buys for others but drinks only lightly himself. He observes and befriends, getting to know and love the people who will ultimately be his future subjects. By the time he is on the battlefield, however, he accepts the responsibilities of his royal office and is ready for whatever fate has in store.
Trust and loyalty are two ongoing themes in "Henry IV," especially between Prince Hal and Falstaff, whose relationship takes a more paternal turn than a friendly one. It is this relationship that spurs Prince Hal, in an otherwise odd move, to bring Falstaff into battle with him. Falstaff, of course, turns out to be utterly useless and stops being funny when his carelessness threatens the lives of his countrymen. Falstaff's moral character should have been foreseeable to Prince Hal, who is too caught up in the moment to recall their times spent together drinking away in the pub and robbing from locals.
Acting wise, the whole cast performs beautifully. The main actors (Christopher Kelly as Prince Hal, Keith Baxter as Henry IV, Gregg Almquist as Hotspur and Ted van Griethuysen as Falstaff) and many of the secondary actors are a marvel to watch and true masters of their craft. The costumes and staging are colorful and clever. The play, directed by Bill Alexander, is running until mid-March and should not be missed.
The box office can be reached at (202) 547-1122 or toll free at (877) 487-8849. Tickets range from $16-$66 with discounts available for students. The Shakespeare Theatre is only two blocks from the MCI Center and of equal distance to Chinatown, so there are plenty of good restaurants in the area to make for a good date.