Five stars
American Shakespeare Center on Tour;
Christian Theological Seminary;
Feb. 28 and March 1

A palpable hit. We entered the well that’s the theater at CTS in time to see members of the cast of Henry V slapping out a rocking version of the Clash’s “London Calling”on acoustic guitars. This busking set the tone for the ASC’s briskly staged version of one of the Bard’s most riveting history plays. Directed by Giles Block of London’s Globe Theatre, the production made the most of the thrust arena, effectively recreating the sound, sight and warm-blooded electricity of Elizabethan theater. The cast, led by Evan Hoffman as Prince Hal, was splendid in multiple roles. A warm thanks to the English Department of IUPUI for sponsoring this residency, which also included a performance of The Merchant of Venice.