Henry V at Oak Park Festival Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Building on his performance as Prince Hal in last month's OPFT production of The History of King Henry IV, Dennis Grimes makes a riveting Henry V. And Melissa Nedell is sweet and funny as the French princess, Katherine. But most of the other performances utterly lack the sense of urgency you'd expect from a work so filled with blood, sweat, and tears."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...Special praise, then, is due Dennis Grimes, continuing his portrayal of Henry, and a hard-working cast including Jack Hickey as the sturdy Fluellen, Aaron Christensen as the opportunistic Pistol and 11-year-old Miranda F. Theis as a bilingual aide-de-camp. Despite some GI humor—a running gag has a weary Fluellen repeatedly interrupted at his dinner—and several thrilling full-cast running charges, what we take away is a lesson in the proper way to conduct a war, insofar as international bloodshed can ever be accomplished in a seemly manner."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...When all’s said, it’s outdoor Shakespeare.  It is not great theatre.  But it is fun.  And it is certainly worth a night, leaving the city with a family (doesn’t have to be your own), some food, and a couple bottles of wine."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...I found a quick fascination with Oak Park Festival Theatre’s outdoors summer season as I watched two small rabbits run along the edge of the stage.  I suppose you have to expect to encounter nature when watching Shakespeare as it was originally designed to be viewed.  OPFT continues to roll through the summertime with their next Shakespeare installment depicting the historic life of “Henry V”.  “Henry V” is the astounding conclusion to the story behind the bloodline of King Henry of England, following its predecessor “The History of King Henry the Fourth”.  Oak Park Festival Theatre dishes out the thrills and drama with their outdoor series, making this particular season rather enjoyable."