“Henry V” Excels at Navy Pier
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Chicago Shakespeare has another winner on their Courtyard Stage. “Henry V” (or Harry, as he is referred to at various points during the production) is a well-crafted theatrical gem. The acting is absolutely fabulous; Penn State alumni and recent Juilliard graduate Elijah Jones in the title role gives a completely flawless performance. His ability to cross between very serious drama and comedy is pure genius; his interaction with his intended queen is hilarious. Mr. Jones has a commanding and regal, yet realistic stage presence. As the king, he organically demonstrates what it means to lead from the front, extolling and challenging his men, then charging into battle himself with them. And a prayer scene played kneeling proves a man is stronger on one knee than with a sword.
Princess Kate, as King Henry refers to her, is beautifully brought to life by the lovely and majestic Courtney Rikki Green. A very French scene with a claw foot bathtub involving a nail buffer, French baguette, and a razor is extremely funny. Kate Fry is fabulous as Alice – her French is impeccable. Other Chicago favorites including Sean Fortunato, Ronald L. Conner, and Gregory Linnington each give their roles great depth of character. This entire cast, including those making their Shakespeare debuts, are believable and stellar. Some audience participation is also involved in the fun; the actors break the fourth wall with professional ease, entering and exiting often through the aisles, and even appearing in the balconies.
The costumes and set design are very well done by Micheal Pavelka – I especially loved a bedraggled wedding dress, complete with hoops and train. Makeup is fabulous, especially showing the scars of war. Props include a tiered cake, boom box, wood equipment trunk/crates, and punching bags, an eclectic array that works amazingly well together. I loved, too, the musical numbers – the second act begins with upbeat rock and punk music complete with electric guitars, bass, and a saxophone. The cast as band members are so very engaging – their scene is well done prior to bringing the house lights down. I also liked the use of the classic hymn “Holy Holy Holy” in the first act to introduce Westminster Abbey.
Lighting (including brilliant use of handheld flashlights) and the sound direction were masterful. Battle scene effects are spot on, with the use of strobe lights and theatrical haze adding to the dramatic air of this play, the literal fog of war. “Henry V” is brilliantly directed by Edward Hall, the staging and energy level both fresh and artistic. As a member of a proud military family, I love the theme of this production. Please support the following military-related organizations that assisted with this amazing theatrical work:
Captain Kyle Arvan and the Loyola University Military Science Department: to learn more about LUC ROTC, please visit www.luc.edu/militaryscience.
Garrett Unclebach, Joe Musselman, and The Honor Foundation To learn more about The Honor Foundation, please visit www.honor.org.
The War Horse: an award-winning nonprofit newsroom reporting on the human impact of military service. To learn more about The War Horse, please visit www.thewarhorse.org.
Once again, I am so proud that Chicago has this world-class theater, keeping Shakespearean classics magnificently alive with modern twists and anachronisms. As we left the theater, a group of young men were discussing how much they enjoyed a play they had read in school brought brilliantly to life before their eyes. “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers…”; may I add sisters to this quote, because this show has something for everyone, but it’s only running until October 6th. For tickets or more information about “Henry V” and the rest of Chicago Shakespeare’s splendid season, pray speed to www.chicagoshakes.com.
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