Orlando Shakespeare Theater to Present HENRY V in 2015

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. Also part of the Theater's Classic Repertory Series, To Kill a Mockingbird (January 21 - March 8) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (February 4 - March 7) will play concurrently. Tickets to all three productions are available by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita 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 Orlando Shakes favorite John P. Keller (title roles in Nicholas Nickleby and Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker) as Henry. 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/Fluellen. Long-time Orlando Shakes actor, Brad DePlanche (Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew), appears as Ely/Bardolph.

Additional casting includes local actors Kate Ingram (as Quickly/Gower), Stephen Paul Johnson (as Canterbury/Pistol), and Sarah Caroline Billings (as Katherine). Final cast member to be announced at a later date.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Bob Philips, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, Costume Designer Lisa Zinni, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

Henry V is sponsored by OUC with additional support from Foley & Lardner LLP and Jack Lord. This project is also funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.