Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Present HENRY V, 2/18-3/22

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents Henry V from February 18 - March 22, 2015 in the Goldman Theater. Under the direction of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, Shakespeare's history play tells the story of King Henry V of England during the Hundred Years' War. Henry V is part of the Theater's Classic Repertory Series, playing concurrently with To Kill a Mockingbird (January 21 - March 8) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (February 4 - March 7). Tickets to all three productions are available by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Young and brash King Henry V of England sets out to repair his broken nation after a bloody civil war, and discovers the challenges of leadership are greater than he ever imagined. From Henry's rousing battle speeches to courting the Princess of France, Shakespeare's Henry V explores what makes a man a king... and a king a man.

"In this production, eight modern 'actors' present a period style Henry V, performing Shakespeare's gripping battle scenes on a circular wooden platform," said Helsinger. "Aided by dramatic lighting and actor-created sound effects, audiences will lend their imaginations to put together the final pieces of the show."

The production features audience favorite John P. Keller (title roles in Nicholas Nickleby and Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker) as King Henry V. Geoffrey Kent (Petruchio in 2013's The Taming of the Shrew) takes on the roles of Exeter/Nym, and Richard B. Watson (C.P. Ellis in this fall's acclaimed production of The Best of Enemies) returns as Constable of France/Fluellen. Actor Stephen Paul Johnson makes his Orlando Shakes debut as Canterbury/Pistol, following appearances with Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Additional casting includes local actors Brad DePlanche (as Ely/Bardolph), Kate Ingram (as Quickly/French King), Sarah Caroline Billings (as Katherine/Montjoy), and Stephen Lima (as Jamy/Bourbon).

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Bob Phi

?l?lips, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, Costume Designer Lisa Zinni, Sound Designer Britt Sandusky, and Video/Projection Designer Andrew Mulkey.