Children’s Shakespeare Theatre Presents: Henry VIII

Children’s Shakespeare Theatre (CST) a local non-profit in Rockland County presents a traditional production of Henry VIII or All Is True. This show, presented by the younger company, features children ages eight through thirteen. Attired in clothes of the Shakespearean period, the children will present this classic tale. You may have heard the story of Henry VIII and his six wives, or seen the musical Six. But you have probably never seen children perform this Shakespeare play, which deals mainly with the ending of Henry’s first marriage and the birth of Shakespeare’s patron, Queen Elizabeth. The children performing in Henry VIII have been surprised by the parallels between this court of four hundred years ago and their own experiences in elementary and middle school. As these tweens navigate distinguishing truth from rumor, deciding who to trust, and making the best choices under stressful circumstances, so too do Shakespeare’s heroes. In the play, King Henry VIII is concerned that his twenty-year marriage to Queen Katherine might not be legitimate. His closest advisor, Cardinal Wolsey, has executed a political rival and raised taxes so high that the countryside is in revolt.  When King Henry meets Anne Boleyn at a party at Wolsey’s house, the plot thickens. Children’s Shakespeare Theatre’s production of Henry VIII or All Is True features Levon Goldberg as Henry VIII, Aaron Benjamin as Cardinal Wolsey, Erica Winfree as Queen Katharine, and Anna Wennerod as Anne Boleyn, along with Ruth Benjamin, Avery Chase, Colette Dickey, Penelope Duval, Iris King, Nora Maloney, Stella Mattii, Amanda Oh, Charles Reimann Valdes, Milosh Todorovic, Maxine Wedelich, and Myla Zimbler in multiple roles.

Henry VIII or All Is True is directed by CST Artistic Director Brady Amoonclark, assisted by Giverny Petitmermet and Marco Jo Clate. Costumes are by Guy Carsone, assisted by Katy Bolger. Lighting is by Michael Gnazzo.