King Richard, II

Summer 2018

King Richard, II

“I wasted time, and now time doth waste me.”

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Gina Lamparella

JULY 19 – AUGUST 5 | MAIN STAGE

More philosopher than king, King Richard is an intelligent but ineffectual monarch. Convinced of his divine right to rule, he leads recklessly which gives the cunning Henry Bolingbroke an opening to challenge his claim to the throne. Filled with magnificent verse and Shakespeare’s singular wisdom and insight, King Richard II is a deeply moving and illuminating portrait of how the forces of history collide to set in motion a dynastic civil war that lasts 100 years. See this first chapter in Shakespeare’s epic cycle of the wars that shaped a nation’s political landscape. In coming seasons, look forward to the next two chapters: Henry IV, Parts I and II. Ages 10+

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, Saturday, July 21: Join the PSF actors and staff for a friendly post-show champagne toast.
  • Meet the actors for an informal talk-back after the show: Thursday, July 26.
  • Savoring Shakespeare – specialty dining themed to the play with behind-the-scenes insights: Sunday, July 22, 5:00pm (in combination with Shakespeare In Love).
  • King Richard II and Shakespeare In Love will play in repertory with the same cast. Please order early for the best seating options.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Compelling…”

“Christian Coulson, creates a memorable, ill-fated king…he wins your sympathy with his bravery and freedom from bombast in accepting fate. The weaker his grip on power, the more soaring his poetry.”

“Justin Adams plays Bolingbroke perfectly.”

PSF Patrons

“Wonderful!”

“Very powerful.”

“Incredible!”

The Reading Eagle

“Pennsylvania Shakespeare Fest raises bar with King Richard II.”

“Extraordinary…”

“A grand and memorable performance by Christian Coulson.”

“Stunning…breathtaking insight and bold imagination.”

“A magnificent Justin Adams.”

“A dazzling piece of writing.”

“Bolingbroke is ruthless but also understands the value of ethics, eliminating only those whose actions warrant it. And Adams toes that fine line with such alacrity, fearlessness and empathy that it amazes.”

“Astonishing performances, without a doubt among the best I’ve seen in 27 years of covering the festival.”

“This is what a company of actors should be, some playing multiple roles and others digging deeply into their souls to mine the truth of the subject.”

“Astounding lighting concepts.”

“Marvelously clever scenic design.”

“Sumptuous and astute costumes.”

“The definitive production of King Richard II. It is quite simply a masterpiece.”

Lehigh Valley Press

“Coulson brings Richard’s vulnerability at the core.”

“Adams plays the role (Bolingbroke) with a forceful enthusiasm. His presence is electrifying.”

“Absolutely enthralling, and perhaps the finest Shakespeare play ever presented at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Indeed, PSF crowns a new King.”

“King Richard II is in repertoire with Shakespeare in Love. Each is a must-see. Perhaps even more than once. A twice-see.

The Morning Call

“Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s King Richard II is a stunning piece of theater.”

“Director Gina Lamparella’s brilliant vision is mesmerizing from the moment the play opens.”

“Unforgettable…”

“Coulson, is amazing as Richard.”

“The wonderful Justin Adams is powerful as a sober and grimly determined Henry Bolingbroke. Adams’ Henry is a forward-moving force—unrelenting, but not without honor.”

“As the proud and indignant John of Gaunt, Christopher Coucill is compelling.”

“Mairin Lee is memorable as Richard’s rejected and isolated queen.”

“Outstanding performances.”

“Amazing and effective lighting design.”

“Cleverly designed.”

“Costumes are wonderful.”

Features & Press Releases

Casting announced for Shakespeare in Love and King Richard II at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tina Slak May 22, 2018 tina.slak@pashakespeare.org Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival announces the principal actors cast in its productions of Shakespeare in Love and King Richard II, which will play in repertory July 11 through August 5 on the Main Stage at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University. Luigi […]

Read More

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Announces Christian Coulson as King Richard II


Contact: Tina Slak, 610.282.WILL [9455] Tina.Slak@pashakespeare.org March 20, 2018 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival announces that Christian Coulson, a featured actor in the Harry Potter film series, will play the title role in William Shakespeare’s epic King Richard II. Mr. Coulson is an English actor who is most widely recognized for his role as Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Chamber […]

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DUELING KNIGHTS FOR THE HEART OF FAIR ENGLAND… AND THE AUDIENCE


By Heather Helinsky, Dramaturg In “The Knight’s Tale,” one of Chaucer’s stories in The Canterbury Tales, two knights fight to restore the social disorder they see around them. The story swells into an epic battle over the beautiful Lady Emelye. Palamon prays to the goddess Venus that he will triumph only by winning Emelye’s love. Arcite […]

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Artists

CAST

JUSTIN ADAMS*
Bolingbroke

STARLA BENFORD*
Duchess of York

CHRISTOPHER COUCILL*
John of Gaunt/Gardner

CHRISTIAN COULSON*
King Richard

MAIRIN LEE*
Queen

CHRISTOPHER PATRICK MULLEN*
Northumberland

BRANDON J. PIERCE*
Aumerle

LUIGI SOTTILE*
Mowbray, Salisbury

WAYNE S. TURNEY*
York

JO TWISS*
Duchess of Gloucester/Carlisle

RICHARD B. WATSON*
Ross, Abbot, Exton

BRANDON EDWARD BURTON
Willoughby

MEGAN LOMAX
u/s Queen

RENEE MCFILLIN
Captain, Attendant, u/s Queen

J. DANE MCMICHAEL
Bushy, Groom

BO SAYRE
Marshall, Scroop

ANDREW SCOGGIN
Harry Percy

ALEXANDRA SÉMAN
Queen’s Attendant

MATTHEW SMALDONE
Bagot

DANIEL TRACY
Green/Keeper

MARK YOWAKIM
Servant

ARTISTIC TEAM

PATRICK MULCAHY
Producing Artistic Director

DENNIS RAZZE
Associate Artistic Director

CASEY GALLAGHER
Managing Director

GINA LAMPARELLA
Director

DANIEL CONWAY
Scenic Designer

OLIVERA GAJIC
Costume Designer

ERIC T. HAUGEN
Lighting Designer

WILLIAM NEAL
Sound Designer

J. ALEX CORDARO
Fight Director

ALISON HASSMAN*
Production Stage Manager

EMILY J. BAVER*
Assistant Stage Manager

LAURA STANCZYK, CSA
New York Casting

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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