By Eliza Een
Continuing Utah Shakespeare Festival’s effort to “complete the canon,” this season features the less-performed history of King Henry VIII. Many audiences may be familiar with parts of Henry VIII’s story, either through the rhyme or new pop musical about his wives (SIX). William Shakespeare’s take on this story, a recent past for him, includes only Henry VIII’s first two wives, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Bullen (Boleyn), who produced England’s next two monarchs (Mary Tudor and Elizabeth I). The play focuses on the political intrigue and religious alliances that created conflict and influenced Henry VIII’s decisions.
The show begins and ends with narration from Cassandra Bissell (Queen Katherine), providing context and preparing the audience for the journey this show will take them on. This establishes a connection between the audience and Bissell early on, creating more sympathy for her character’s challenges as Bissell elegantly endures the divorce trial and declining health. Bissell tackles the challenge of speaking Shakespearean lines with a Castilian accent and stands out among the many heroines featured in this season.
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The titular character is portrayed by Topher Embrey, in all his regal standing. As other character motivations and ambitious plots are revealed, Embrey’s performance shows a man who is trying to do what he sees is right. He portrays a very earnest king, including his first introduction to Anne Bullen (Alyasia Renay Duncan) where Embrey’s desire is palpable.
Chris Mixon’s Cardinal Wolsey starts as the confidant and advisor of Henry VIII, but as Wolsey’s motivations are revealed and he loses that position, Mixon redeems the character somewhat through his dive into remorse. Another choice that grounds the play and religious themes is the Latin text sung between acts throughout the show by Spencer Watson (Monk and others). I found these interludes interesting and refreshing as they were worked in at key points by Lindsay Jones (sound designer and original music director) and Derek Charles Livingston (director).
The ladies attending the queen and the lords forming the king’s council exhibit the many different tensions and loyalties running through the court, heightening the drama. Duncan’s Bullen is youthful and unsure of what to do with the king’s attentions, though her spunky friend played by Trenell Mooring presents a brash and humorous contrast. The play Henry VII has very few setting changes and no real action scenes, but Livingston’s choice to have people cross through the stage or listen from the balcony adds to the sense of unease and intrigue in the palace. The most chilling encounter is when the executioner (Marco Antonio Vega) interrupts the dialogue by walking across with a bloodied axe after dispatching the unlucky Duke of Buckingham (Geoffrey Kent)—and it serves as faint foreshadowing of Ann Bullen’s fate.
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The costumes for this production are based on the original time period, and art enthusiasts may notice some similarities between famous portraits of the characters and the outfits worn. Each actor is dressed in distinct and rich colors and textures that help define their character and role, some of many excellent examples of costume designer Bill Black’s work. The lighting design (Donna Ruzika) and choreography (Trey Plutnicki) also worked together to show characters in the best light and allowed for the actors’ performances to shine through.
This play is an intriguing and little-told look at a familiar history, and the cast of the USF’s Henry VIII creates a compelling performance. I really enjoyed attending some of the seminars and discussions as part of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which help contextualize this and other shows. I highly recommend that anyone who wants more orientation to this show or is interested in learning about the choices or direction for this show seek them out!
Utah Shakespeare Festival presents Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.
Englestad Theatre, 200 Shakespeare Ln, Cedar City, UT 84720
Plays on select dates until September 5, 2024, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Tickets: $15–85
Contact: 435-586-7878 or 1-800-PLAYTIX
Utah Shakespeare Festival Facebook Page
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