EMA Review: Henry V Delicious ★★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

Henry V (also known as The Life of Henry the Fifth) by William Shakespeare is one of the more well-known of his history plays (thanks in part to the brilliant 1989 Kenneth Branagh film). One of the strengths of this play is that the plot is straightforward: King Henry V of England, after being insulted by the French Dauphin, wages war across France to claim the French throne, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt. Throughout, we are given themes such as duty to your nation, social class structure, and the role of a leader to his people. 

Now Nevada Shakespeare Festival brings us the play as a part of their FREE Shakespeare in the Parks series. This is perfect for an evening picnic outdoors. Through Matt Morgan’s deft and energetic direction, coupled with his pared-down adaptation of the source material, we are given a thrilling 80-minute bare-bones production full of epic battle scenes, hilarious characters, deep introspective moments, and even a love story to top it all off.

The cast of six plays five to seven characters each, using costumes, masks, and French accents. Christopher Brown stands out as the titular Henry V, and he encapsulates the King to a T, bringing forth all of the depth, determination, and devotion he can muster. The rest of the cast are all excellent as the multitude of characters. Karsyn Artemis Love, Jamey Maurice Clay, Brandon Alan McClenahan, and Lindsay Wray all bring to life a vivid and engaging world. And special mention goes to Rebecca Husain, who sparkles as the narrator.

To be honest, the bitterly cold wind that night wasn’t the most agreeable for an outside nighttime picnic, and I joked afterwards that their production costs must be incredibly high because they brought the terrible British weather with them. Ha! But even so, I found myself getting lost in this magnificent production. Although it’s a play about war, it’s also a deeply introspective and moving story about the human condition. But what else do you expect from Shakespeare? If you want a fun, rollicking, powerful time in the park, then I highly recommend this play. Bring your friends. Bring your enemies. Bring the French, even. All will delight in this show. I can’t wait to see it a second time. Or even a third.

What: Henry V 

When/Where:

March 13: Bicentennial Park, Boulder City, 6 p.m.

April 3: Solista Park, Inspirada, 6 p.m.

April 11: Silver Springs Rec Center, Henderson, 6 p.m.

April 17: Goodman Plaza, Las Vegas Civic Center, 7 p.m.

April 18: Peace Park, Sandy Valley, 7 p.m.

Tickets/website: Free.

https://nevadashakespeare.com/

RATING: Delicious ★★★★★

Director: Matt Morgan; Stage Manager: Gregory McElroy.