Review Fix Exclusive: Inside ‘Henry V’

Review Fix chats with Quisqueya Productions’ Tom Kalnas, who discusses the production and who will enjoy the romp the most.

About Henry V:

Quisqueya Productions presents a limited showing of a re-imagined version of Shakespeare’s HENRY V. Shakespeare’s definitive parable of war and warriors will directed by Broadway veteran, Mary Lou Rosato, at the legendary American Theatre of Actors – one of the last great theaters of the famed off-off Broadway movement – for a special limited run, February 21 – 24 (Thursday – Saturday @ 7:30 p.m. with special matinees on Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00 p.m. – Invited previews start Feb 18) The ATA is located at 314 W 54th St, New York City. Tickets available at https://www.smarttix.com/Event/hen393. The event is listed on SHOW-SCORE and OPPLAUD.

Presented in contemporary dress with allusions to period style, Quisqueya Productions hopes to show – in this stunning new production – the duality of mankind; the eternal battle between modern thinking and warlike desires. Producer/performer, Laris Macario, who appears as Henry was quoted as saying “Henry gets caught up in his own legend … as we all do,” Macario has accepted the challenge of playing several of Shakespeare’s men of conviction, who see their missions as a way to justify a place on the throne and, in many respects, come closer to God. Others in his canon are Marc Antony in Julius Caesar and Lucius in Titus Andronicus leading the pack. “In these uncertain times, the story of a valiant soul leading the common man to victory is that much more necessary,” he concluded.

Broadway luminary, Roger Rathburn appears in this production directed by another Broadway notable: Mary Lou Rosato.

The ensemble cast includes, Sylvain Panet-Raymond, Sam Tilles, Julian Evans, Megan Smith, Kaitlyn Farley, Joe Penczak, Jared Kirby, Patrick Hamilton, Yosef Podolski, Diego Tapia, Mark Guerette, Suzanne Kennedy, and co-founder of the company, Tom Kalnas.

Review Fix: What was the inspiration/reason for your presenting Henry V? 

Tom Kalnas: I’m in the mood for a war play. We never see them produced anymore. War plays are big, savage beasts. Spectacles. They’re really cool. War changes us, and everyone handles it in a different way. It makes for great, vivid characters.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?  

Kalnas: I’m an improv-focused actor. I always have two goals – connection and spontaneous delivery. If it’s not fresh, it’s not real.

Review Fix: What makes this different or special ? 

Kalnas: If something new is happening, then nobody knows what happens next. Predictability is death. By keeping an open mind and trying new things, actors can find spontaneity in every performance. It’s a lot of fun. The show never gets stale. 

Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process? 

Kalnas: I learned how to relax, let go, and enjoy the moment.

Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production or your company for the future? 

Kalnas: We want Henry V to earn Quisqueya a reputation for quality theater.