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—Falstaff (Dean Paul). Photo: David Cooper FALSTAFF Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 21st season and its Kings History Series with Falstaff, an exciting new adaptation of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts I & II by Errol Durbach. Falstaff launches the programming in the intimate 240-seat Douglas Campbell Studio Stage tent. Directed by former Playhouse Artistic Director Glynis Leyshon, Falstaff plays Tuesdays through Sundays July 1 through September 22 in Vanier Park. "I have extracted a play from the mass of material in the two parts of Shakespeare's Henry IV and shaped it thematically into a central focus: the tug-of-war between two fathers (the King and Falstaff - the ruler and the anarchist) for the allegiance of the Prince of Wales," explains Errol Durbach about the adaptation. Falstaff follows the antics of Prince Hal who is led astray by the roguish knight Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare's most endearing and brilliantly comedic rogue. As Hal's father, Henry IV, fights a deadly battle to retain control of the English throne, the King and Falstaff engage in an unforgettable struggle for the heart and mind of the future Henry V. Falstaff features Dean Paul Gibson as the gigantic figure of Falstaff and Alessandro Juliani as the young Prince Hal. Kevin McNulty is Prince Hal's father, Henry IV, who is assisted by Duncan Fraser as the Lord Chief Justice and Andrew McNee as the court Sheriff. At the heart of the rebellion against Henry IV are David Marr as the Earl of Northumberland, Bob Frazer as his son Hotspur, and Todd Thomson as the Earl of Douglas. Amber Lewis plays Lady Kate Percy and Charlie Gallant is her brother Edmund Mortimer. Followers of Falstaff include Colleen Wheeler as the tavern owner Mistress Quickly, Kayla Doerksen as Doll Tearsheet, and tavern regulars Bernard Cuffling as Bardolph, Kevin K. James as Ned Poins and Luc Roderique as Francis. A backdrop for both commoners and royalty, the Studio Stage designed by Pam Johnson features a strong, dark and bold set with the feel of rusting metal, rivets, pipes and mesh. Costume Designer Sheila White has devised a simple silhouette with a baroque feeling - doublets and pants are layered with brocades and tapestries in rich reds, browns and terracotta. Murray Price's music helps us journey from Falstaff's rambunctious ale house, to the court, and to multiple locals throughout Britain. Fight Director Nicholas Harrison and Choreographer Treena Stubel staged the battle scenes and skirmishes, while Adrian Muir's lighting emphasizes the shifts in action. Stage Manager Joanne P. B. Smith is assisted by Samara Van Nostrand (Assistant Stage Manager) and Sara Robb (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for Falstaff are as follows:
Forum: Shakespeare At War - July 12 at 7:00 pm
Tickets are $38 (evenings); $18.75 to $31.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org
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