Henry IV Part I @ Salt Lake Shakespeare and the University of Utah's Department of Theater (SLC: July 14 - 23)

PRESS RELEASE
July 7, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Hugh Hanson, Director
801-755-3334
hhanson59@msn.com


Salt Lake Shakespeare and the
University of Utah's Department of Theater present
Henry IV Part I
July 14-23, 2011, in the Babcock Theatre

Salt Lake Shakespeare and the University of Utah's Department of Theatre present Shakespeare's thrilling and entertaining Henry IV Part I in the Babcock Theatre, July 14-23, 2011. Directed by Hugh Hanson, and starring an incredible ensemble of actors including Peder Melhuse (King Henry IV), Paul Kiernan (Falstaff), and Andy Rindlisbach (Prince Hal), this production promises to be one of the most exciting and entertaining works that Salt Lake Shakespeare has mounted to date.

While Henry IV Part I is a great English epic, at its heart it is a drama about the complex relationships between fathers and sons, be they kings and princes, heroes or villains. The play encompasses an entire panorama of English life, from the sleazy taverns of Eastcheap to the stately splendor of the royal court, and includes some of Shakespeare's biggest personalities including his greatest comic creation, Falstaff; the schemer Prince Hal who will become Henry V; and the dazzling and honor-obsessed Hotspur.

Young prince Hal is a king in the making. He is the son of England’s King Henry the IV, who usurped the crown from King Richard II. But Hal is not interested in princely matters, and wastes his time in taverns with the lower classes, particularly a bunch of rowdy, drunken thieves, presided over by the fat, merry and wanton knight, Sir John Falstaff. Both King Henry IV and Falstaff offer the young lad fatherly advice. But whose will he follow—that of his stern, proper and penitent biological father, or the robust liar, cynical pragmatist and lover of life, Falstaff?

The young prince is forced to sober up quickly when his father’s crown is threatened by a rebellion, led by the turncoat Henry “Hotspur” Percy. To defend his father and his country, Hal must forsake his dissolute and bawdy ways, and return as a prodigal son. This powerful Shakespearean history play explores the themes of loyalty, justice, responsibility, and the training of a true prince.

Says Director Hugh Hanson, "I love Henry IV because, at its heart, it is a play about the rebelliousness of youth. While the play is titled Henry the IV, the central character is really Prince Hal, his son. Young people today face all kinds of pressure and expectations from their parents and their communities, and Hal isn't much different. He's just a kid who feels the pressure and expectations of his family, friends, and community, and he just wants to be able to make his own decisions and live his own life. He knows his father disapproves of his friends and is disappointed with some of the choices he's made, and he's frustrated because his whole life has already been thought out for him. He battles against that. But for the good of his country, he takes what he's learned from his royal family and his common friends, and eventually embraces his royal responsibilities and becomes a truly great king."

Salt Lake Shakespeare's production of Henry IV Part I will give audiences an incredible opportunity to see an ensemble of some of Utah's finest professional actors at work. Playing King Henry IV is Peder Melhuse, who is also a professor in the University of Utah's Department of Theatre where he teaches for the prestigious Actor Training Program. As the comically delightful and rotund Falstaff is Paul Kiernan. Andy Rindlisbach, a recent graduate of the University of Utah Actor Training Program who has also appeared in Pioneer Theatre Company and Salt Lake Acting Company productions, plays Prince Hal. Also appearing in this production are Jim Dale, John Terry and Linton Dean.

Says director Hugh Hanson, "I think this may be one of the strongest casts we've ever put together. This truly is an ensemble piece this year. We've got 11 truly great actors playing the 30 roles."

Salt Lake Shakespeare's production of Henry IV Part I will be presented in the Babcock Theatre July 14 through 23 at 7:30 PM with an additional matinee on July 23 at 2:00 PM. Ticket prices are $15 for General Admission, $13 for University of Utah faculty and staff, and $10 for all students with a valid ID. Tickets for Henry IV Part I can be purchased now by calling 801-581-7100, or online at www.kingburyhall.org. Publicity photos are available online at www.theatre.utah.edu/press.