February 4, 2005
THEATER BEAT
Shakespeare's thrilling history play "Henry IV, Part 1"
has the barreling momentum and lethal stakes of a good action film, but it
doesn't play itself. It needs a strong, demonstrative vision to make it simmer
and roar.
By design, the Classical Theatre Lab's new "Henry IV, Part 1
x 4" lacks such a single vision; instead it has four directors and a cast
of 35. It's a daring exercise, but the result resembles a ponderous staged
reading, albeit with higher production values.
We're basically seeing directorial tryouts for a fully realized
production, and some are tantalizing. Director Greg Von Dare opts for a feudal
Japanese setting, which might be more impressive if his actors looked more at
ease in their samurai poses and swaddling kimonos. Only Trieu Tran's fiery
Hotspur registers here.
Director Chad Restum handles his portion as unfussy, no-period
epic theater. He has the advantage of a delightfully windy Falstaff (Carlos Carrasco),
a hauntingly resolute Prince Hal (James Parks), and a slick but steely Hotspur
(William Dixon), who's particularly good opposite Stuart W. Howard's pompous
Glendower. And Kent Minault makes a stirring King Henry.
In the show's tastiest overlay, director Lawrence Peters sets his
scenes in contemporary Houston. Some actors twang too broadly, but keepers in
this Texas layover include Jayne Taini's blowsy Mistress Quickly, Karen
Tarleton's breezy Archbishop, Paul Taviani's punkish, high-strung Hotspur
(slyly evoking George W.), Mark Cross' coolly corporate monarch, Deanna
Cordano's dry Vernon and the weary Worcester of Christopher Cappiello (a strong
presence throughout).
Director Alexander Wells' unfortunate final battle features women
in "Star Trek" couture, though his Hal (Susan Hanfield) and his
Hotspur (Caitlin Prennace) do muster a decent fight. Like the rest of this
tireless company, they get a good workout here. But who wants to watch a
workout?
Rob
Kendt
"Henry
IV, Part 1 x 4," The Classical Theatre Lab at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park,
Martel Avenue between Fountain Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. 7 p.m.
Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends Feb. 6. (323) 960-5691. Suggested
donation $10. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes.