Published: April 16, 2009 09:40 pm      

Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ at FSU

FROSTBURG — As the final event for the 2008-2009 season, the Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University will present The Acting Company/Guthrie Theater Production of “Henry V” by William Shakespeare on Tuesday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Drama Theatre, FSU Performing Arts Center.

Combining the artistry of two of America's great theaters, Minneapolis' Guthrie Theater and The Acting Company, this grand production of the Shakespearean epic follows the charismatic warrior king's aggressive pursuit of the French crown, as he and his ragtag band of men confront the brutality of warfare and their own destinies. Directed by Davis McCallum, the play expertly balances the thrilling heroics of battle with the painful and complex reactions of men who are sometimes unsure of the justice of their cause. Shakespeare's meditation on the price of glory resonates through the ages.

The acting company was founded in 1972 by Margot Harley and legendary producer and actor, John Houseman, with stars like Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone and others in the first graduating class of Juilliard's Drama Division. Since then it has performed 131 plays to audiences in 48 states and 10 foreign countries.

In addition to Kline and LuPone, its alumni include Frances Conroy, Jeffrey Wright, Harriet Harris, Jesse L. Martin, David Ogden Stiers, Richard Ooms, Richard Iglewski, Keith David and Rainn Wilson. The Acting Company was honored in 2003 with a Tony Award for Excellence in Theater.

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists.

Tickets may be ordered by calling (866) 849-9237 or (301) 687-3137, or by visiting http://ces.frostburg.edu.

The Cultural Events Series and this Arts for Adjudicated Youth project is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

This engagement of the Acting Company is a Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation Tour funded by the Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program.