Henry VI, Part 3
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
The Drilling Company
August 5, 2017
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
