"Displays of boundless energy, crisp interpretation and some of the best acting to be found," is what Staunton News-Leader critic Charles Culbertson finds in the ASC's current production of Henry VI, Part 1.

"It's a hell of a lot of fun," he adds.

Culbertson appreciates the challenge for the actors in this show, as in all five our the productions in the ASC's experimental Actors' Renaissance Season, to produce the play themselves without help from directors of costume designers. And he finds the result satisfying:

Despite the play's title, Henry VI is almost a peripheral character. Shakespeare, while playing fast and loose with historical truth, accurately represented Henry as too young to take part in much of the action going on around him. So, Alyssa Wilmoth as the fledgling monarch has only a modest amount of time onstage. But it is time well spent; Wilmoth leaves us wanting to see more of her.

Culbertson also praises performances by Miriam Donald as Joan of Arc ("infusing Joan with spirit and humanity") and John Harrell ("delightful as Charles VII — a warrior of epic proportions until he's actually facing a foe"). Read the full review »

Make sure you don't miss the fun and energy of 1 Henry VI by getting your tickets now.

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