First Folio Productions presents
Henry IV.1
By William Shakespeare
Adaptation by Glenn Dobbs & Ben Powers
Presented in two 50 minute acts
with a 15 minute intermission
Meet the Cast
.jpg)
Abdul Hakim-Shabazz - Henry IV
Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is new to Bard Fest but is no stranger to the stage. He’s appeared in a number of productions while he lived in Illinois prior to coming to Indy, including Driving Ms. Daisy (Hoke), Dial M. for Murder (Inspector Legsate) and Inherit the Wind (Hornbeck).
His day jobs- yes, jobs - ncludes being Of Counsel at the law firm of Lewis and Wilkins LLP and he is the editor and publisher of the political news website Indy Politics. He is also a radio talk show host at WIBC Radio and does political commentary for Fox 59 and contributes to the Indianapolis Business Journal. And he found time in all that to teach political science at the University of Indianapolis and speech at Ivy Tech Community College.
He is happily married to the Lovely Mrs. Shabazz and he has one son Gene and a dog, Barack. (Yes, that’s his name).
His favorite line from the show is, “Have at thee!”
Matthew Socey- Falstaff Matthew made his First Folio Productions debut as King Edward/Lord Mayor in Richard III. Matthew has performed at the Richmond Shakespeare Festival as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Saturninus in Titus Andronicus. Acting credits include Bill in Falling, Van Helsing in Dracula, Judge Randolph in A Few Good Men, Gary in The Exonerated and Moriarty In Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (all at Richmond Civic) plus Nick in Over the River and Through the Woods (Mud Creek Players and Scottish Rite Cathedral) and The Sea Captain in Twelfth Night (Earlham College). Directing credits include The Christians and Informed Consent (Richmond Civic), It's a Wonderful Life (Anderson University), The Three Musketeers (Mud Creek Players) and The Trip to Bountiful (Mud Creek Players and Scottish Rite Cathedral). He also wrote and directed Yearning for Dogberry (Comedysportz) and adapted and directed the Euripides tragedy Medea (Bookmama's). He's also directed radio versions of Henry IV, My Darling Clementine and an all-female King Lear for Richmond Radioworks. Matthew hosts The Blues House Party and Film Soceyology and is the producer of Stolen Moments for WFYI 90.1 FM, where he has worked for over 20 years. Much love to Lynne and Emma
Matt Anderson- Hotspur Matt is taking part in his fourth Indy Bard Fest, having previously been seen in Bard Fest 2018 in Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro), Bard Fest 2017 in Cymbeline (Belarius), and Bard Fest 2016 in both King Lear (Albany) and Coriolanus (Menenius). Matt was most recently seen in the Noblesville Shakespeare in the Park production of Macbeth (Macbeth) and the Indy Fringe production of Fairy Godmother and Associates (Prince Charming), the latter proving that yes, he does perform non-Shakespeare shows as well. During the day, Matt works as an actor at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Andy Burnett- Earl of Douglas/Soldier/Tavern Man/Servant/ & Keeper of all that is good and true
Andy enjoys all aspects of Community Theater and when he is not building sets or producing a show with his idol, Glenn Dobbs, enjoys forays in front of the curtain as well. Favorite roles include the “ghost” of Hamlet's late father in Hamlet, John Bates in Henry V and Edgar Hollister in Murder Room.
Eli Robinson - Sir Walter Blunt Eli is thrilled to be in this production of Henry IV. Some notable roles in the past include: Javert in Les Miserables, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat. Eli would like to thank his family for all of their endless support.
Sara Castillo Dandurand - Lady Worcester/Working girl/Soldier
Sara Castillo Dandurand is thrilled to make her Bard Fest (and Shakespeare) debut as Lady Worcester with this amazingly talented cast, director, and crew. Sara is a native of the Seattle area and an attorney who, after five years of practice, decided her life could use a little less Type A. During a two-year stint in Washington, D.C., she finally garnered the courage to take her first acting class and never looked back. She pursued further study at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory, practicing law by day, and attending classes and performing the rest of the time. While in D.C., she starred in the inaugural production of Forsaken Angels as a sex-trafficking victim and survivor. Her credits here in Indy include the Stepdaughter in Six Characters in Search of an Author (Indiana Performing Arts Initiative) and Debbie in The Amorous Ambassador (Mud Creek Players). She is eternally grateful for all the influential teachers and directors who have contributed to her growth as an actor, in addition to the unwavering support of her husband, family, and friends. She would also like to extend her sincere thanks to Glenn for believing in her and bringing this exciting opportunity to fruition!
Afton Shepard- Lady Percy/Working Girl/Soldier Afton is thrilled to be making her Indy Bard Fest debut and is honored to work with such a talented group of people. Afton has been blessed to continue work as an actress and model in many various theatre and film productions. Favorite past theatre rolls include A Chorus Line (Val), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), Doubt: A Parable (Sister James) and Inherit the Wind (Rachel) – to name a few! A proud mother and wife, Afton has had a strong love for Shakespeare that blossomed during her time at Concordia University Ann Arbor. You can find her around town this holiday season playing an Ice Princess! Thank you for supporting local theatre. Follow Afton at @shepardafton.
.jpg)
Eric Mannweiler - Lord Mortimer/Sheriff/Soldier
Eric Mannweiler’s entire stage career has been dedicated to Shakespeare productions, and he is thrilled to be part of First Folio’s Henry IV Part 1. Past credits include: Much Ado About Nothing (Drunk, Soldier, Sexton.)
Here is what some have said, regarding his theatrical conquests:
“The Sexton has never been brought to life with such grandeur, such vigor, such raw power, and I dare say that it never will again.” - Hoboken Auto Trader
“…Eric who??” - Lou Harry
“This is your last chance to renew your car’s extended warranty. You are still eligible to reactivate your warranty coverage. Press one to speak with a representative.” - Los Angles Times
Michelle Wafford-
Lady Glendower/Hostess/Soldier Michelle Wafford is here for her very first Bard Fest, and her second Shakespeare adventure with her beloved husband/castmate, Eric! It’s her third First Folio performance, having starred as Juliet in 2014 and Hero in 2015. She’s been on local stages since 1992 - largely musicals, but often other fun things. Favorite recent roles: Jean Louise Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, BTCT; Sylvia in SYLVIA, MCP; Grace Farrell in ANNIE, RWTC; Ensemble and Jane in Brigadoon, FOOTLITE, ensemble and pepper shaker in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, BTCT; Various actors/characters in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY GREATEST HITS PART 2, CCP. She’ll stop there for your sake. Special thanks to overseas colleague Andrew Williams, without whom she’d never pronounce Welsh even close to “properly.”
Matthew Walls - Prince Hal
Matt is thrilled to be marking Prince Hal off of his short list of dream roles. Henry V was the first play he read in high school that convinced him there was more to this Shakespeare guy than boring, mushy, love stories and poetry. So to be able to step into the future king’s shoes is a once in a lifetime opportunity (especially as he creeps ever closer to his 30’s). This is Matt’s third Bard Fest offering after playing Brutus in Coriolanus and Tybalt in last year’s Romeo and Juliet.
Matt’s recent projects include: The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company’s, Much Ado About Nothing, No Exit’s, The Mutilated, and the IndyFringe Festivals, Shakespeare and Zombies, which he wrote and directed.
As always, Matt would like to thank his parents Mike and Michelle Walls, for their unconditional love and support. He would also like to thank his girlfriend, Stacia, for letting him run off and play pretend four nights a week.
Matt would also like to dedicate his performance to the memory of Cheryl Fesmire.
Missy Rump - Peto Missy is thrilled to join the cast of Henry IV for her first Bard Fest appearance. Missy first had the opportunity to work with Glenn, and First Folio Productions in 2014 in Romeo & Juliet and has worked with him on several other productions since then. Thanks to Glenn for having faith in her, and for all the opportunities to grow and stretch as an actress. Missy has also worked with other local theaters, including Carmel Community Players, The Belfry, and Buck Creek Players. Most recently, she has been working with Catalyst Repertory in their original production of “Arcade Fire: The Redemption of Billy Mitchell”. Missy also recently performed at Fringe in “The Cookie Dough Show”. Missy would like to thank her husband of 30 years for allowing her to pursue her hobby, even though it takes her away from home more than he would like. Luke 1:37
David Mosedale - Glendower/Soldier/Tavern Rat David Mosedale is an Indianapolis-based actor, happy to back involved with Bard Fest. Locally, he has played Lear in King Learwith First Folio Productions at Bard Fest 2016; Sergeant O’Brien in Dial M for Murderat the IRT; Inspector Erickson in Frankensteinand various roles in Tales from the Jungle Book at the Lilly Theatre; Duke Vincentio in Measure for Measureand Franklin in Arden of Fevershamewith Hoosier Bard; Marley and OId Joe in A Christmas Caroland Captain Brackett in South Pacificat Beef and Boards; Judge Wargrave in And Then There Were Noneat Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre; Antigonus in The Winter’s Taleand Douglas Finch in Impressionismwith Wisdom Tooth; the Stage Manager in Our Town, Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night, and Polonius in Hamletwith Acting Up Productions, Basil in The Divinerswith Catalyst Repertory; and Herr Schultz in Cabaretand Kris Kringle in A Miracle on 34thStreetfor Bobdirex. He is ever grateful for his most patient wife, Dianna, for supporting his pursuit of this art to which we aspire.
Jonathen "JB" Scoble - Bardolf Jonathan is thrilled to be a part of his first ever Bard Fest production with this extremely talented cast and crew. Jonathan is a local actor from Carmel, playing a wide variety of characters on stage, in addition to his growing offstage interest designing and building sets. Some of his onstage credits include Stanley Kowalski in Streetcar Named Desire, Man #1 in the four-person musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Gomez in The Addams Family Musical, Frank in Footlite Musical’s premier of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Dewey in Legally Blonde the Musical. He’d like to thank Glenn Dobbs for this wonderful opportunity, and most importantly his family and friends for their tremendous support and encouragement.
John Mortell - Poins/Lancaster/Fight Captain
John is very pleased to return for his fourth Bard Fest. His previous Bard Fest roles were: 2018-The Merchant of Venice (Balthazar/Tubal/Duke of Venice); 2017-Cymbeline (Cymbeline), and 2015-As You Like It (Corin/Duke Frederick). He missed the 2016 Bardfest due to appearing in his wedding. 2019 has been the year of Henry IV for John, as this is his second foray into the play after playing King Henry IV in Garfield Park's production last spring. He has also performed with First Folio in Hamlet (Laertes),
Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), Macbeth (Macbeth) and Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt). He holds a degree in drama from the Catholic University of America and works at Conner Prairie, a living history museum. John lives in Fishers with his wife, Laura, and cat, Tybalt.
Scott Stockton - Vernon/Traveler/Soldier/Servant
Scott is thrilled to join the Bard Fest for the very first time. Previously, he has appeared with First Folio Productions as the Friar in Much Ado About Nothing (2015) and as a soldier in Hamlet (2016). Scott got his first taste of theater in high school when he joined the chorus of Carousel and continued acting in college, appearing as John Bunyan in A Pilgrim's Progress. He has taught high school speech and directed the annual stage productions. He first joined the Indianapolis community theater family when he appeared as General Waverly in Footlite Musical's production of White Christmas (2014). Since then Scott has worked with the Garfield Shakespeare Company (Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra, Richard II, and The Three Musketeers), Brooks and Bourke Theatre Company (Oklahoma! as Andrew Carnes and The Hunchback of Notre Dame as Archdeacon Claude Frollo), as well as First Folio Productions. He would like to thank his gracious and lovely wife for her support as he pursues his acting dreams.
Brian Kennedy - Westmoreland/Tavern Rat
Brian returns to Bard Fest after his previous appearance in Catalyst Repertory's Taming of the Shrew. Brian has performed over the years with many local theater groups including Theatre on the Square, Buck Creek Players, Hendricks Civic, Garfield Shakespeare Company, Our Town Players, Merry MAC Players, Carmel Repertory, Wayne Township, and Painted Shadows.
When he is not acting Brian enjoys playing music.
Brian is grateful to be performing with this fantastic group and for all the support of his friends and family.
Kevin Caraher- Northumberland / Soldier
Kevin was last seen in The Failure To Zig Zag at The Cat, A Little Christmas Spirit at Westfield Playhouse, and Brigadoon at Footlite Musicals.
Kevin is a company member of The Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. Next up for Kevin is restaging Bill W and Dr. Bob at The District Theatre with Stage Door Productions February 7th through February 16th 2020.
Kevin would love to take this opportunity to thank his wonderful wife Katy for all her love and support during the rehearsals and show dates for Henry IV Part 1.
No one likes Part 2.
Production Staff
Anna Wieseman - Stage Manager -Anna is a 2015 graduate from the University of Indianapolis with a degree in communication and theatre. Along with a full time position at the Indiana Historical Society, she works with many of the theatre companies around Indianapolis. Some of her most recent credits include 2019 Indy Fringe Festival with Adulto Orgasmo Escapes from the Zoo, stage manager; The Mutilated, stage manager; 2018 Bard Fest with Romeo and Juliet, stage manager; 2018 Indy Fringe Festival with Act VI Scene I (Shakespeare and Zombies), stage manager; Hell’s Fifth Ring: The Mall Musical, stage manager; 2017 Bard Fest with Macbeth, stage manager; and 2017 Indy Fringe festival Canvas, stage manager."
Linda Findley Grow - Costume Design
Linda Grow is new to Bard Fest but has been in community theater for many years. She began as an actor with favorite roles in Arsenic and Old Lace, The Nerd, and the female version of the Odd Couple. She especially enjoyed performing in musicals such as Jerry’s Girls, Gypsy and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Now she is so busy costuming that she cannot commit to acting roles. Most recent gigs included Macbeth for Noblesville Arts Council, and 3 plays directed by Brent Wooldridge, including Streetcar Named Desire for which she is Encore nominated. Thanks to all at First Folio who have made her feel very welcome. And especially to Glenn Dobbs for finding me!
From Linda and Glenn -
We want to say a special thanks to Mr. Bradley Jones. Mr Jones is an amazingly talented costume designer who has worked in theatre for many years here in Indianpolis. Several of the beautiful pieces you see in the show are his creations and we are so grateful for his generosity in allowing Bard Fest to use them Bradley and his late husband Joe Cook founded Garfield Shakespeare Company and have been a leading voice in theatre for decades.
Debbie Coon- Prop master/ Assistant Stage manager / Tavern Girl
The lovely Ms Coon returns again to Bard Fest and First Folio Productions. Her previous roles are many including Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. This time she brings her bright and upbeat personality to the production side as she assists in herding all of these wild actors. She dedicates her work to her late husband Paul who was also a theater regular. Some of the costumes used tonight were his creations. We all miss you Paul.
Melody Burnett - Light Booth Operator
Melody is one of the people who helped launch Bard Fest back at the beginning. You will find her in some of our earliest photos. She, along with her husband Andy, have been critical partners to Glenn as First Folio Productions got off the ground and Bard Fest was launched. She has served on a variety of productions including Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Henry V, and more. There would be no Bard Fest with Andy and Melody.
Susan Yeaw - Set Decoration
Susan has been in involved with theater locally since 1997 working with TOTS, Indy Fringe, Butler Performing Arts, First Folio Productions, Garfield Shakespeare Company, Footlite Musicals, CCP, HCT, & Merry Mac Players. Some of her favorite roles include Beatrice in Much Ado, Lilly in Secret Garden the musical, Titania in Mid Summer, Lady Macbeth, Kate in Taming of the Shrew, Nancy in Oliver, Molly Brown, Gilmer in Godspell, Glenda in Wizard of Oz, and most recently Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire. When not on stage, you can find Susan working behind the scenes helping with sets, crew, sound and anything else that needs done. Susan is a multiple Encore Award recipient and nominee. (Her favorite role was playing Beatrice opposite Glenn Dobbs as Benedick in Much Ado About nothing many years ago - when they both had much less grey hair -- Ok Glenn put this in here - but He just knows it's true)
Chris Plunkett - Light and Sound Design
Chris has been working professionally in theatre and audio visual design for the last two decades. Some of his favorite productions he's worked on include Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Little Prince where he had to build a biplane out of an old wooden desk. He's kinda a miracle worker...or a wizard. Probably a wizard.
Sarah Tam - Assistant Fight Director - Sarah Tam is excited to return to Bard Fest choreographing fights. She graduated from Butler last year with a BA in Theatre and has spent her time since performing in shows around town and interpreting characters at the Indiana Historical Society. She has most recently been seen in as Bren in Paper Swords (Indy Fringe Festival) and Aumerle in Richard II (Garfield Shakespeare Company). Many thanks to Glenn and the entire cast for the opportunity to develop that fight choreography muscle. Love to Mom and Dad for their unquestioning support and to Digs for everything.
Kevin Robertson - Executive Fight Director Kevin C. Robertson, is proud to join the company of Bardfest as Executive Stage Combat Director. Kevin brings over 40 rears of theater experience as an actor, director and stage4 combat choreographer. Kevin is professionally recognized in 8 of the 9 weapons styles tough by the Society of American Fight Directors. An award winning choreographer from the Washington,DC metroplex Kevin has choreographed well over 100 shows ranging from Romeo and Juliet to Moon Over Buffalo to The Miracle Worker..
Tony Johnson- Associate Producer From the first time Thespis jumped on a cart and started reciting poetry someone was needed to support those making art. Thus the role of the producer was born. Mr. Johnson has enjoyed the role of supporting the wonderful artists you are enjoying tonight. The passion of the directors to tell these stories has been inspiring to him. It is sincere hope that every audience member finds a moment in these shows that becomes a part of their story, and that the power of art to comfort us, confront us, and change us is on full display. He is thankful to his fellow producers for their wisdom and patience in leading this festival. He further is grateful to his wife and daughter for their forbearance during this year long obsession Bardfest has become. Lastly, he would like to thank the dedicated actors, directors, stage managers, costumers, lighting/sound designers, technical directors, and crew for their professionalism and dedication that makes Bardfest such an important event in the Indianapolis artistic calendar
Nan Macy - Associate Producer Nan Macy lives in Columbus, IN with her wonderful family. She has worked in regional theatre for many years both as an actress and an administrator. Nan has played Shakespearean roles such as Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth”, Claudius in “Hamlet”, and Volumnia in “Coriolanus”. Other favorite roles include: a suspicious and hard-nosed nun in “Doubt”, an aging movie star in “Vanya and Sonja and Masha and Spike”, a daffy divorcee in “The Women”, a bitter Grandmother in “Lost in Yonkers” and Super Diva, Maria Callas in “Master Class”. Nan loves dancing of every kind and is a dedicated ballroom dancer. She attends regional and national dance competitions where she gets to wear beautiful dresses loaded with rhinestones. Nan is very excited to become a part of the Bard Fest Production Team. It is a great honor to work with such dedicated and passionate artists.
John Clair - Associate Producer John has long been a devotee of Shakespeare, and was most recently seen on stage playing Leonato in the Bard Fest production of Much Ado about Nothing, directed by Glenn Dobbs several years ago. He has been involved in theatre since he was a youth, launching his theatrical career at the Jordan Conservatory in Indianapolis, IN, working both on stage as an actor, and backstage in the technical aspects. He has sat on the boards of several Indianapolis Theatres including the Repertory Theatre at CTS, and Carmel Community Players. He and his wife June have written and produced a number of scripts including Andersen: A Fairy Tale Life, Pocahontas: An American Princess, and a musical revue it’s about Time. He has served as producer, stage director, and technical director of numerous productions at Carmel Theatre Company. Clair is currently chairman of Carmel Theatre Company, and in that capacity has hosted BardFest for several years.
Glenn L. Dobbs - Director Glenn serves as Executive Producer and the Artistic Director of Bard Fest. Glenn founded Bard Fest five years ago. His previous theatrical credits include Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, As You Like it, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Elephant Man, The Shadow Box, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Into the Woods, Proof, The Sound of Music, Medea, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged, and many others. He wants to thank Andy, Mel, Susan, Linda, Jennifer, Fred, Paul, and many others who have been with him from the beginning. And especially his long suffering -"Trophy Wife" ,Colleen, who has endured this 'hobby' of his for so long.
Director's Notes
From the desk of Glenn Dobbs - Some shows are just plain fun to do. Henry IV is such a production. When you surround yourself with such a fantastic cast and add just a but of lunacy, great things result.
This story is perfect. We have great speeches, beautiful songs, fantastic sword fights and more flatulence jokes than you can imagine. It is what a good Shakespeare show should be: inspiring , accessible, and a hoot.
How do you tell the sweeping story of the Kings of England? How do you cram into “this shallow cockpit the vasty fields…..?” You begin by creating an enormous tent and filling it with the most delightful characters ever conceived. You make the huge tale personal and intimate. And through the eyes of real men and women you paint on the canvas of history and immortality. You do not need to know history to love this story.
Such is the case with Henry IV Part 1.
Amanda Mabillard writes, “Henry IV part 1 has been called Shakespeare’s greatest history play. It is flawlessly constructed….”.
Marjorie Garber adds, “The play’s design is one that emphasizes correspondence between the two worlds of virtue and vice.”
It is from this play that one of Shakespeare’s greatest inventions, the immortal Falstaff, ascends to dominate the stage. The story moves effortlessly between slapstick comedy, tragedy, and thrilling battles. Here we see the youth of the messianic King Henry V before he would become England’s greatest monarch.
It is perfect.
So how do you pitch the tent to tell the tale? You anchor it with four strong stakes. Prince Hal, Henry IV, Hotspur, and Falstaff form our compass and point our tale in the true direction.
Then, you populate the tent with a myriad of wonderful actors. A group so talented that they lift and carry the story to wonderful heights.
Come on inside. Join us for a rollicking and thrilling story!