The Hank Trilogy: Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2, and Henry V

Playmakers Repertory Theatre - Chapel Hill, NC
March 3, 2012


Brad - A
Chelsea - C+

Yes, Chelsea struggled with this chair.

So, after our night in Staunton, Virginia, we drove to Chapel Hill to see three history plays in a single day.  Even better, my good friend from high school joined us for the matinee.

I've known Will since seventh grade geometry class with Mrs. Kimbell.  Nowadays, Will is a fancy lawyer for UNC, he plays in a blues band in Chapel Hill, and he has a very cute puppy.  So, Will joined us for the matinee performances of Henry IV Parts One and Two.  We did, however, excuse his attendance for the 7:30 production so he could watch UNC whoop Duke. GO HEELS!

So, a quick summary of Henry IV Part One, Henry IV Part Two, and Henry V:  We meet King Henry IV and he is concerned about attacks from Scotland and other lands.  Having acquired his crown by force, he is concerned about protecting his crown.  His son, Prince Hal, is a goof.  He spends a majority of his time with Sir John Falstaff drinking and "whoring."  As tensions rise between England and its enemies, the King calls for Prince Hal.  Hal eventually agrees to grow up a bit and fight England's enemies with his father.  They eventually defeat their enemies, and during battle, Hal kills one of the leaders of the enemy, though Falstaff takes credit for the kill.  But the King is clearly proud of Prince Hal.  The King then dies and Prince Hal takes over.  Though Prince Hal's former drinking buddies see this as their coronation too, Prince Hal --- now King Henry V --- banishes them from his presence.

One more terrifying rabbit picture just to make sure you are still awake! So, Henry V decides he should take over France.  In the opening scene, a minister goes through an extensive legal analysis of Henry V's claims to all of France.  Then Henry V takes his troops to France to take over.  On Saint Crispin's day, the English troops defeat the French.  Henry V then takes the French Princess Kate as his bride and the play ends, though at the end we are warned that later kings would lose France.

So, a couple of thoughts about the productions.  First, it is awesome to see a trilogy of plays that all involve the same characters played by all the same actors! Usually, you would see three different actors play Prince Hal/Henry V.  But seeing them in repertory like we did, the same guy played Prince Hal/Henry V for each play. Second, these productions were great.  The production was very minimalist given the capabilities of their stage, but the special effects they used were very effective.  For example, when King Henry V gave his famous Saint Crispin Day speech, it had just rained on stage.  Though the on stage rain was over, it really felt like a dreary day that needed an inspirational speech by the leader of the forces.  Finally, Falstaff, a hilarious and lovable character in the Henry IVs, was played by a quasi-famous actor.

Chelsea is pointing at him on the poster, but here is a better picture:

Yes, Chris and John, he is from Gilmore Girls.  Chelsea was star struck, and I thought he was a great Falstaff.  He was funny and memorable.

After 7+ hours of Shakespeare history plays, Chelsea and I were beat.  On Sunday, we drove home, and for nearly two hours of the drive, Chelsea helped me prepare for my appellate argument set for the next day.  All in all, it was a great weekend, and we are now 13 plays in.

Only 24 more to go!

Brad IV Part 1