Friday, February 22, 2008 6:47 PM CST
'Pirandello's Henry IV' opens Feb. 29 at CAT
By the JG/T-C
editorial@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON — The Charleston Alley Theatre will open its 19th season with Luigi Pirandello’s “Henry IV”, in a new version by Tom Stoppard, beginning Feb. 29.
“Henry IV” is often cited as the existential masterpiece of Nobel Prize winner Luigi Pirandello. Written in 1921 and first performed in 1922, it explores the comedy and tragedy of madness and is based on Pirandello’s experiences with his wife who struggled with the disease all her life.
In Pirandello’s story, an Italian nobleman falls from his horse during a costume pageant and loses consciousness. When he awakens, he believes himself to be the character he has been playing, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV of Germany. Rather than treat his madness, his family feeds this delusion.
For 20 years he lives this royal illusion, but this day, his family plots to shock him out of this “madness” and into the 21st century.
Duke Bagger plays the nobleman who believes he is the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV, and Peter Borah plays his nephew, the young Count Di Nolli. The Countess Matilda is played by CAT newcomer Monica Mazzaro, and her daughter Frida, who is engaged to Di Nolli, is played by another new CAT player, Arielle Starkey.
Michael Salem plays the countess’ boyfriend, Baron Belcredi, and Dr. Genoni, the psychiatrist hired by the family to “shock” “Henry” out of his madness, is played by D. Craig Banyai.
Henry’s hired “attendants,” Landolf, Harold, Ordulf and Bertold are played by Dar’Keth Lofton, Marie Field, Libby Marshall, and a new player to the CAT, Kenton Banyai. Henry’s elderly manservant, Giovanni, is played by Tony Cox.
The production is under the direction of Duke Bagger. Costumes are by J.M. Hughes, set design and lighting by Bagger, set decoration by Charles Hughes, and music by Tony Cox. The play is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French Inc..
“Henry IV” opens at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 Additional performances are 7:30 p.m. March 1, 3, 7, 8 and 10, with matinees at 2 p.m. March 2 and 9.
Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Group rates are available. Ticket reservations may be made by calling 345-2287 and at the theater, one hour before curtain.
The Charleston Alley Theatre is at 718 Monroe Ave., Charleston. Reservations are recommended.
For more information on the Charleston Alley Theatre, visit the theater Web site, www.charlestonalleytheatre.com.
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