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Hudson Shakespeare Company

Free Henry VIII, Macbeth Tour Jersey Venues

Hudson Shakespeare Company logoThe Hudson Shakespeare Company in New Jersey returns for the second installment of its 22nd annual Summer Shakespeare in the Parks series with Henry VIII by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher and directed by Jon Ciccarelli. This larger-than-life king, famous for many wives, many appetites, and breaking with the Catholic church, will be given the Shakespearean treatment at several Jersey City and Hoboken venues, plus a presentation in Stratford, Conn.

Set in the middle years on Henry VIII's reign (with Bradley Sumner in that role), the play marks the shift between Henry's first wife, the very Catholic and dutiful Katherine of Aragon (Noelle Fair) and the youthful and opportunistic second wife, Anne Boelyn (Emily Ludolph). The juicy divorce and its aftermath on the English world is orchestrated by Cardinal Wolsey (David C. Neal).

"The play takes very larger-than-life scenes and shows the very human side of those events through the perspective of several characters," Ciccarelli said in a press release. "An alternative title of the play is All Is True, which means that everyone's point of view is equally valid. Ultimately, the play is told from the perspectives of the two women in Henry's life: Katherine, the solid wife on her way out, and Anne, ascending but getting more than what she wished for."

Each season, the company seeks to produce some lesser-done titles of the Shakespeare canon, and Henry VIII is this year's entry, showcasing hidden gems along with more familiar fare. The company will be returning with Macbeth in August.

The Hudson Shakespeare Company is now in its 22nd season of touring Shakespeare and classical works in Hudson County and around New Jersey. All performances are free. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets; in the event of rain, performances will be shifted to another venue in the park or canceled.

Following is the touring schedule for Henry VIII:

Following is the touring schedule for Macbeth:

July 13, 2013

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