A Feminist Lands in King Henry's Court

Kate Parr is smart, confident, and passionate: a rising star in a world of intense competition. But her obligatory marriage to Henry is rife with the threat of violence and lure of deceit; her secret liaisons with Thom, her husband's former brother-in-law, could send her to an early grave; and her devotion to the education and equal rights of Henry's daughters is putting an even bigger strain on her marriage.

A contemporary retelling of the compelling relationship between Katherine Parr and Henry VIII, The Last Wife is a funny, powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics, and women's rights. Recommended for mature audiences due to adult language and situations.

This production is a fitting bookend to the compay's Wolf Hall productions earlier this season, 4 actors from Wolf Hall are part of the cast of The Last Wife - all play different historical figures this time. Rutherford Cravens now plays Henry VIII (he was Cardinal Woolsey in Wolf Hall). Lisa Villegas is Henry VIII's last wife, Katherine Parr aka Kate (she played Anne Boleyn before). Blake Weir plays Thomas Seymour (he was Henry VIII in Wolf Hall). Clara Marsh is Lady Elizabeth aka Bess (she was Princess Mary before).

The Last Wife runs July 15 - August 13 at MST - Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd, 77005. Performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $36 - $45, depending on date and section. All tickets are on sale via phone at 713.524.6706 or online at MainStreetTheater.com.

Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, our MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults; our Theater for Youth produces professional, engaging productions based on children's literature for families and school groups, both in-house and on tour around Texas; and we offer Education and Outreach programs on-site and at satellite locations around the Greater Houston area for youth aged 4 - high school. We perform locally in 2 facilities: our Rice Village home on Times. Blvd., and as part of the MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston) on Main Street.