A vivid reflection of majesty and power
By William Shakespeare
JULY 24 - AUGUST 4 | SCHUBERT THEATER
Notorious for his habit of wedding and beheading, Henry maneuvers
through the political landscape of Renaissance England, hastening the
rise and fall of cardinals and queens. Shakespeare's extravaganza of the
life of England's most famous monarch mixes history, tragedy, and
romance yielding great dramatic dimension and power.
Please note: This production will be rehearsed akin to the way
Shakespeare's company would have. Actors arrive with their lines
learned, rehearse on their own, wear what they can find and open in
a matter of days. (PSF usually rehearses for nearly four weeks!)
No director. No designers. Just great actors, a dynamic play, and pure
adrenaline, spontaneity, and creativity. Recommended for ages 10+.
Co-Sponsor:
Extras
- Prologues: join us for insights into the play in an informal setting. Free. Held in the theatre 45 minutes prior to curtain.
- Opening night, Thursday, July 25 - Join PSF staff and acting company for a friendly post-show champagne toast.
- Meet the actors for an informal talkback on Thursday, Aug. 1.
- Savoring Shakespeare. Delicious and themed to the play, with behind-the-scenes insights. August 3 & 4.
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The Cast  Prologue/Epilogue/Lord Sands/First Gentleman/Earl of Surrey  Duke of Norfolk  Duke of Buckingham/Old Lady/Griffth/Thomas Cromwell  Cardinal Wolsey  Secretary of Wolsey/Sir Henry Guildford/Crier  Brandon/Servant/Scribe  King Henry VIII  Queen Katherine  Patience  Duke of Suffolk  Surveyor/Second Gentleman/Cardinal Campeius/Garter King at Arms  Lord Chamberlain/Cranmer  Anne Bullen |
Direction & Design  Production Stage Manager  Producing Artistic Director |
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* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. |
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Coming Soon. Check back during the season for updates.
Reading Eagle
"Exciting…. What makes "Henry VIII" worth seeing are the performances, in particular Ian Bedford's King Henry, Richard B. Watson's Wolsey and especially Susan Riley Stevens' breathtaking turn as Queen Katherine, complete with a perfect Spanish accent."
"Stevens' Katherine nearly steals the show. It's a thrilling portrayal…. She's a knockout."
"Wolsey's soft-spoken plotting is chilling from the start."
"Bedford's immense presence is really all this Henry needs."
There is a brilliant coup de theatre in that final scene that gives the evening a dazzling send-off. I'll not reveal it here."Morning Call
"Shakespeare fest nails 'Henry VIII'."
"I have never seen Shakespeare's play "Henry VIII" before but after attending opening night of the Pa. Shakespeare Festival production, I am a fan."
"Susan Riley Stevens is mesmerizing."
"Ian Bedford is a powerful and imposing Henry VIII."
"Christopher Patrick Mullen is a versatile and agile actor and he plays his four roles with aplomb. He is riveting as the doomed Duke of Buckingham."
Lehigh Valley Press
"Susan Riley Stevens is a strong and tragic heroine. Her monologue during the trial is the play's dramatic apogee."
"Emily Kiser, as Anne Bullen (Boleyn) radiates a vision of gentleness."