For Immediate Release: June 21, 2005
Media Contact: Lisa Higgins Pechter, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, 610-282-9455 x4

Wildly popular when it first debuted, Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1 previews at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University Wednesday and Thursday June 22 and 23, opens Friday, June 24 and continues through Sunday, July 10. Performed in the Main Stage Theatre, with matinee performances at 2pm on Saturday, July 2, and July 9, as well as Sunday, June 26, July 3, and 10, single ticket prices range from $24-$37.

Of all Shakespeare's Henry plays, this one was considered the Star Wars of its time, and for centuries after, in popularity. Ripe with intrigue, battle, and betrayal, Henry IV, Part I follows young Prince Hal on his journey to manhood. Hal's bawdy and decadent lifestyle rightly concerns his father, King Henry IV, anxious for Hal to claim his rightful place at court, and defend England from enemy insurgents, particularly Harry Percy, known as Hotspur for his explosive temper.

Sir John Falstaff, one of Shakespeare's most cherished comedic foils and surrogate father extraordinaire, exposes Prince Hal to a far more appealing life of drink, women, and tavern brawls. Prince Hal must choose between the two fathers guiding his destiny and the lifestyles they exemplify.

Directing PSF's production is Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy, assisted by Matt Pfeiffer. The design team features collaboration by Scenic Designer Will Neuert, Costume Designer Janus Stefanowicz, Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen, and Sound Designer Matthew Given. Fight Director Ian Rose choreographed the swordplay.

"The tension between the worlds of the tavern and the court symbolizes the constant struggle between chaos and structure that confronts both the prince and the country," says Mulcahy. How the individual man and nation emerge from these conflicts is what makes this play so compelling and so timely.

Playing the title role of King Henry IV is veteran PSF actor Michael Tylo, who has appeared in many films, television series, and theatrical productions throughout his celebrated career. Scott Parkinson plays England's heir, the prodigal Prince Hal. Hotspur is played by Ian Merrill Peakes, who played Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing (2004) and Orlando in As You Like It (1996). The ever jovial Falstaff is played by John Ahlin. At the King's side is Gannon McHale in his debut with PSF, playing Westmoreland and rivaling Welsh army commander Owen Glendower. Returning to PSF are H. Michael Walls as Worcester, uncle to Hotspur, and Ian Bedford plays The Douglas, commander of the Scottish Army against King Henry IV.

The 2005 Festival also includes Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (July 20-August 7) on the Festival Stage; and stage adaptations of Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days (July 13-August 7), Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid (June 8-July 3) and Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid (through August 6) on the Arena Stage.

The free outdoor Green Show completes the season's offerings and is performed one hour prior to each evening's performance.

Henry IV, Part I performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. Saturday 2pm matinees are July 2 and July 9. The 'Family Night' performance is on Sunday, June 26 at 7:30 pm.

Season tickets are still available and offer patrons the greatest discounts and flexibility; prices range from $80 to $220. Single ticket prices range from $24 to $37. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups. Tickets can be ordered by calling 610-282-WILL or online at www.pashakespeare.org.

The 2005 Associate Senior Sponsors are: The Morning Call, The Harry C. Trexler Trust, and Service Electric Cable and Communications.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University is the Official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth and a professional, not-for-profit theatre company. An independent 501 c 3 organization, PSF receives support from DeSales University and relies on contributions from individuals, government agencies, corporations and foundations. PSF is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and is a member of both the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America.

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