Henry the IV Part I Presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company

Saying that my husband and I had a phenomenal time is truly an understatement! The theater itself was awesome. I love how this theater had such intimate feel to it, yet when the lights come on, it’s much bigger than you’d expect. Big shout out to Unilocal for the 2^nd row orchestra seats, which even made for a more exciting experience — especially during the battle scenes!
And while all of the actors really put on a great show, I’d have to say that {BIG BOY} Falstaff alone made the show worth it. His super outgoing personality coupled with his coward-​like tendencies kept us laughing from beginning to end! I’m definitely planning to grab a couple of tix for part 2!
[NOTE TO SELF — Always snag tix from row 2 or behind… I think one or two «front rowers» may have been hit in the crossfire by a couple of accidental gleeks! Luckily, the 2^nd row distance kept us safe!]

Everything at this event helped embody the class and esteem of the Shakespeare Theatre. I took one of my oldest friends who I knew wouldn’t squirm sitting through a 2 hour play on British royalty and he and I were so delighted when we were done – even when we had to walk out in the snow. Drew, our dramaturg was exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable on Shakespeare. I felt as though our 30 minutes with him really made the play far more enjoyable because we were able to depict certain layers. The play its self was amazing as well. While, I realized that I didn’t like Falstaff very much (the character was just a wee bit too selfish for my taste) I really enjoyed watching the very Shakespeare-​est acts of betrayal and miscommunication. The fight scene was also a huge favorite. My friend and I are both looking forward to Part II.

Just off the plane and back in town; time to let A) Kimberly and B) the Shakespeare Theatre Company know how great of an event and show they put together.
Seriously, the Patron’s Lounge was a fantastic hangout, and the pre-​show discussion was super informative and helpful for understanding the play to follow (especially for a non-​theatre nerd :). The show itself was fantastic, and the seats were great.
Thanks to all involved in this awesome event! No question I’ll be back for Part II.

For a theatre nerd like myself, having the opportunity to attend Henry IV Part 1 at the STC (in the NEW space, non the less), this was quite the dream come true! I actually played Mistress Quickly and costumed the show (Parts 1&2) in college, so it was extra special to be able to actually see the show from the audience.
Being able to talk to Drew the dramaturg — literary associate — was fantastic, as he made the incredibly astute observation that this story is quite similar to Star Wars! That gave me plenty to think about during the show, and it was awesome.
The set design was fantastic and incredibly dynamic for a proscenium stage. I was easily drawn into the world of the play, and fully suspended my disbelief.
The acting was superb, but this is the STC, so that’s not surprising.
My ONE tiny criticism is the costume design, which felt incoherent. But I have a degree in that field and a tendency to be quite critical. But they didn’t detract from the show in any way.
This was an incredibly opportunity to have an inside perspective on the show, and I’m super grateful to Unilocal for putting this together. While I love the food/​beverage events, it’s awesome to have a cultural event every now and then.
Another home run for Unilocal DC!

What a fun afternoon at the the-​ay-​tah! I felt so lucky to get to be part of this great event. The theater is SO GORGEOUS, and the play was fantastic. I can’t wait to see Part II!

What a great performance!
Awesome view from second row center seats.
Only downside: waiting in the line at intermission… BUT luckily they allow you to bring covered beverages back into the theatre.

In spite of getting the «cheap seats» (I felt, for this performance, the closer we were to the stage, the worse off our seats are since we were essentially looking up at it), I really REALLY enjoyed this event!
The preshow discussion with Austin and Drew in the Patron’s Lounge was awesome (though watching the staff whisk away the candy mid-​discussion as if we were hoodlums felt odd), and learning a bit about the intricacies of the play was extremely helpful.
The show itself was wonderful — I had read the play many moons ago and the actors really brought it to life. I loved it so much I ran right home and used the promo code for tickets to Part 2! At the 75% discount they offered us, I would have felt silly NOT jumping on it!
The ushers at this venue are incredibly helpful and friendly, don’t hesitate to ask them to help you find your seats. I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier afternoon with the Bard and cannot wait to attend another event here soon!

Awesome seats in a really great venue that I’ve never had the fortune of going to before.
The acting was fantastic, though I had to read the synopsis to get the actors and storyline straight.

By far the best Unilocal events I’ve been to! Everything was amazing, not only the seats but also the patron lounge full of props, the talk about the play by Shakespeare theatre’s dramaturge, the happy hour organized by our one and only Kim. Sorry for all those who missed it! Did I mention that the play itself was incredible?

I had been wanting to check this place out for a while, given that it’s 2 blocks away from my place. Finally, thanks to Kim, STC and Unilocal,I got a chance. Great seats (seriously, couldn’t have asked for better) and wonderful acting. One of my favorite Unilocal events.

Our center orchestra seats were among the best in the house, so close we could almost smell the alcohol on Falstaff’s breath. Or maybe that was just my fellow Unilocalers, after all that free wine in the Patron’s Lounge? In any case, my husband and I had a swell afternoon.
The most famous cast member was Stacy Keach as Falstaff. Did you know he was an accomplished Shakespearean actor? We learned this a few years ago at STC, when he was a spectacular Lear! But the rest of the cast was very good too, even the small parts. For example, Lady Percy had few lines and just a couple minutes of stage time, but evoked a fiery and complicated love story, just by the way she looked at her husband. King Henry IV himself (whom you might recognize as the Senate Majority Whip from House of Cards) had a powerful voice and the perfect face for his angry dad/​former murderer role.
We also enjoyed the educational talk before the show. STC’s resident dramaturg answered questions, placed the show in historical context, and riffed on an extended, hilarious, and super helpful Star Wars metaphor. We also got «fun facts» (If you watch the epic battle scene closely, you’ll see the same actor die three times).
So thanks Unilocal for a terrific free afternoon of fine theater! We loved it.

I have been meaning to come here since I moved to DC (over a year ago!) so when Unilocal offered up some free tickets I begged and kept all my fingers and toes crossed that my name would be chosen. It was, and thus I am writing and you are reading this review:
The set design was minimal but perfect – enough ambiance to make you feel like you are there without being distracting (or over-​the-​top as some Shakespeare sets are prone to do!) and versatile enough to be used as a tavern or a battle scene. The costumes were unbelieveable. Also a slightly modern take (I wanted all the men’s boots!) and heavy on the leather, but olde (see what I did there?) enough to make it feel like Shakespeare.
The actors were superb. Falstaff was appropriately robust (both large and complex) and funny, Hal and Hotspur were equally relatable and the King just the right combination of cold and caring. The only only downside for me was the swordplay – we were in the second row so we could see when someone died by a gentle nip under the armpit. Maybe if we hadn’t been so close or the actors had not all died from armpit wounds it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but I’ve also never been in a swordfight so it could be a threat I didn’t even know existed.