Henry VI, Part 3

Henry VI, Part 3

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

The Drilling Company

August 5, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Director Hamilton Clancy skillfully dramatizes the battle for power in a divided nation in The Drilling Company’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot production of Henry VI, Part 3.  He sets it present day, making the timeless motives of loyalty, entitlement, betrayal, and greed wholly relevant.  Mr. Clancy cuts this Shakespeare history play down to two hours without intermission, focusing the action of the play and giving the audience a clear understanding of bloody events and willful characters, all of whom are well versed in the art of war.  His battle scenes are simply staged and highly effective.

Joe Clancy, Erin Noll, & Bill Green
Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

King Henry VI (played by Skyler Gallun), who is a Lancaster, gives his crown to York (played by Bill Green) with the hope of keeping the peace between the disputing powers.  It has the opposite effect.  Under the influence of Queen Margaret (played by Evangeline Fontaine) and lead by Clifford (played by Bradford B. Frost), the Lancasters respond by attacking, killing York and his youngest son, Rutland (played by Joe Clancy).  The Yorks retaliate and are victorious, crowning Edward (played by Lee Seymour) king.  He marries Lady Grey (played by Kendra Oberhauser), losing the loyalty of Warwick (played by Kyle Maxwell) and Clarence (played by Eddie Shields), who were vital in his gaining power.  This causes great a war which does not end until Henry VI is put to death.

The cast magnificently works together exposing the basic human needs that motivate these huge, historic characters.  Bill Green is noble as York.  Lee Seymour is cunning as Edward.  Skyler Gallun gallantly portrays Henry as a pensive and peaceful man, always deep in reflection.  Kyle Maxwell is bold and brazen as Warwick.  Evangeline Fontaine delivers a strong performance as the vengeful and fearless Queen Margaret.  Alessandro Colla is ruthless and commanding as the complex Richard, concealing his deeper desires under the cover of family loyalty.  Bradford B. Frost shows a wide range of skill playing both Clifford and King Louis of France.  Every cast member deserves a shout out for their intense level of focus and truthful characterization: Joe Clancy, Bryce Dutton, Marcus Jones, Lindsay Nance, Erin Noll, Kendra Oberhauser, Ben Peterson, Eddie Shields, Sophie Sorensen, Ross Stoner, and Gracie Winchester.

Photo courtesy of The Drilling Company

Henry VI, Part 3 plays for one more weekend (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 10, 11, 12 at 7:00 PM) at the Clemente Cultural & Educational Center Parking Lot.  Check the website for directions (shakespeareintheparkinglot.com).   In addition, be sure to see The Drilling Company’s production of The Tempest at Bryant Park Shakespeare.  It opens August 25 and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 PM through September 9.  All these shows are FREE.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, The Drilling Company presents the best outdoor Shakespeare in the city.  Don’t miss these opportunities for a great experience.   

 Domenick Danza