Matthews adapts two Shakespeare masterpieces

Dakin Matthews’ adaptation of both parts of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” has come to Pitt. The… Dakin Matthews’ adaptation of both parts of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” has come to Pitt. The production is the largest ever presented by the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre, with a cast of 22 actors in nearly 75 roles, and one elaborate battle sequence choreographed by Shaun J. Rolly.

Matthews’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s work combines two full-length plays into one story of two sons (Hotspur and Hal) and two fathers (King Henry IV and Sir John Falstaff). It was recently featured on Broadway at the Lincoln Center, produced by Jack O’Brien and starring Kevin Kline.

Tonight, the stage will be brimming with Broadway veterans, including David Conrad and Scott Ferrara, who will take on the roles of Hal and Hotspur. A native of Pittsburgh, Conrad received his education at Brown University and Juilliard. Last year, he starred on ABC’s “Relativity” and in the NBC series “Miss Match” opposite Alicia Silverstone. He has made several appearances on the big screen as well, and he can be seen in “Men of Honor” and “Anything Else.” This will be Conrad’s PICT debut.

Scott Ferrara earned the title of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year in 2003 for his role in PICT’s production of “Hamlet.” In 2004, he appeared on Broadway as Mortimer in Matthews’ “Henry IV” while understudying Ethan Hawke in the role of Hotspur. Ferrara trained at the University of Pittsburgh and the Old Globe Theatre/University of San Diego.

The aging King Henry IV will be played by experienced, Juilliard-trained Sam Tsoutsouvas. Tsoutsouvas is no stranger to the Broadway stage; his appearances include “Dracula” (with Frank Langella), “By Jeeves,” and “Out Country’s Good.” The talented performer began his career while still studying at Juilliard School when he appeared in the New York Shakespeare Festival in Central Park.

Equally talented and decorated actors round out the ensemble. Tim Hartman (“The Silence of the Lambs” and “The Mothman Prophecies”) will play the quick-witted Sir John Falstaff while the manipulative Earl of Worcester will be portrayed by 2002 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year Martin Giles. The cast also includes Brian Barefoot, Alex Coleman, Sheila McKenna and Kate Eastwood Norris.

The Artistic Director and co-founder of PICT is Andrew S. Paul, and the scenic and costume designer is Pei-Chi Su, who serves on the faculty at Point Park University. Combat choreographer Shaun J. Rolly has more than 110 productions to his credit and is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors and The Independent Fight Directors Guild.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see how Dakin Matthews twists together two of Shakespeare’s masterpieces on the Charity Randall Theatre stage in the Stephen Foster Memorial. If nothing else, the tech team of Nicholas J. Crano (sound designer), Cindy Limauro (lighting design) and Rolly (choreographer) should produce one intense stage combat scene.

Henry IV runs tonight through May 14. Tickets range from $24 to $36, with rush tickets available to students for $15. Call (412) 394-3353 for tickets or visit www.picttheatre.org.