Last Saturday, October 18 was Opening Night for Henry VIII at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. An outstanding performance of the show was given to a warm reception by the audience.
I wrote a full review of this show on my Exmainer.com column and have included some photos here that were provided by the theater company. Note the lovely costumes and very fine scenic design used in the show.
Henry VIII will play in Madison through November 9, 2014. This is a good show to see.
Pictured below is a scene from one of the most stirring parts of the show and that is the relationship between Cardinal Wolsey and King Henry VIII which changes drastically during the show.
Pictured: King Henry (right, David Foubert) consults with his trusted advisor, Cardinal Wolsey (Philip Goodwin). Photo: © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
The masked ball scene was well directed to add a moment of music and romance into the show. Henry VIII and his entourage entered from the rear doors and came down the aisles wearing masks and came up onto the stage to join the dance in progress. Finally, the King worked his way to Anne Bullen (aka Boleyn) and proceeded to dance with her in a manner that let her know of his interest in her. Nice to have a moment of heated romance in a Shakespeare show!
Pictured: Lady-in-waiting Anne Bullen (Katie Wieland) captures the King’s attention (David Foubert) at the masqued ball. Photo: © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Early on, we see Queen Katherine, Henry’s first wife, meeting with him trying to get back in favor with him.
. Pictured: King Henry (David Foubert) greets his faithful wife, Queen Katherine (Jessica Wortham). Photo: © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
But at this point, Queen Katherine realizes she’s a goner as she tries to plead her case with the Cardinal. One wonders why this play is only classified as a History and not a Tragedy as the action continues through.
Pictured: Disgraced Queen Katherine (Jessica Wortham) pleads her case before Cardinal Wolsey (left, Philip Goodwin) and Cardinal Campeius (Matthew Simpson). Photo: © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Politics, plots, and schemes – this time period was filled with all of that including the King’s own men.
Pictured: The courtiers jockey for power. (left to right: Michael Early, Eric Hoffmann- seated, Damien Baldet, Matt Sullivan). Photo: © Jerry Dalia, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey