By Chase Johnson, New LCT Reviewer
This review is about the absolute tour de force that NKU makes of Henry V. Full disclosure I am an alumnus of Northern Kentucky University, with degrees in History and Theatre. I love NKU and I love the School of the Arts. Seeing this new generation of students shine makes me proud to call NKU my alma mater. However you did not open this review to hear me wax nostalgically about the school that has been a massive part of my life for roughly the past decade, so let’s get into it.
The Story of Henry V
Henry V is the last of a tetralogy chronicling the Hundred Years War. It is widely considered one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces. The play specifically covers Henry’s war in France and the battle of Agincourt, a battle where the English were badly outnumbered. Due to superior English longbows they absolutely devastated the French military of the time. The play is unquestionably a drama but it is oddly filled with humor. The entire character of the Welsh Captain Fluellen is an hilarious send up of a braggart military man, although unlike other versions of this trope Fluellen is actually competent. The scene where Catherine practices her English is also deeply amusing and a nice breather from the serious politics and battle scenes that make up the rest of the story.
The Production of NKU’s Henry V
Directed by Jo Sanburg (Allistair Reardon, Assistant Director), with NKU legend Rob Kerby serving as a masterful technical director, NKU’s Henry V is a visual delight. The costumes (Jessie Jones with mentoring by Ronnie Chamberlain) make identifying the class and country difference of the characters easy while also having a distinct flavor. The French are in the high fashion one would associate with a decadent upper nobility and it works well using cool blue tones. Henry and his Englishmen by contrast are in red, perhaps signaling Henry and his court’s more hot-headed and aggressive style.
The Lighting and Sound design (the talented duo of Phoenix Bills and Cara Laub) make the battle scenes absolutely cinematic and the chaotic desperate struggles more real. The fight choreography (Jay Burt) is visceral and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Finally I want to acknowledge the unsung heroes of any production the Stage Manager, and the Dramaturge (Ellis Clay and Kiley Ernst) without whom the play would lose much of its organization, respect for history, and inspiration. They are also responsible for the absolutely fantastic dramaturgical display found in the entry of the School of the Arts. All of these artists should be proud of their work.
The Performances
Across the board the performances are strong. Every single member of this cast deserves accolades for their performances. I will highlight a few. To begin with, the Dauphin of France is a decadent, mocking, and posh character. Every word out of their mouth highlights a sense of superiority and cocky attitude that makes you as the audience love to hate them. They also have some of the best lines in the play. Katie Chambers does this role perfectly and their interactions with both Bodie Moore as their father Charles the VI and Caleb Lindsey as the titular King Henry drive their scenes. Speaking of Bodie Moore I could not cast a better French Monarch if I tried. Their every movement showcases the dignity and grace of one of the most powerful men of the era perfectly providing a dignified contrast to a more aggressive and brash English King.
Which brings me to our lead. The role of King Henry is a difficult one; it demands of its actor the arrogant confidence of a soccer hooligan, and the guilt of someone asking the people they love to potentially die for them. Caleb Lindsey pulls off both sides of this complicated figure like he was born for it. His scenes executing his traitorous friends and waging war on the French showcase Henry as a commanding presence bringing his foes to their knees. The scenes of him talking to his soldiers around the campfire show an uncertainty and guilt about what his actions will cost. Finally the scene of him attempting to woo Catherine is both heartwarming and genuinely hilarious.
The Bottom Line
See this show. It’s about 3 hours long but it flies by and you will walk away from this cathartic experience admiring the excellent cast and crew who represent the future of theater. If you love Shakespeare, drama, politics, history, or the arts in general you will love this play.
Get Tickets to NKU’s Henry V
You can purchase tickets from the SOTA website. NKU’s Henry V runs until February 22.
