King Henry, Thomas Moore stage battle of morals at Majestic Theater

Date: 2/23/2010

Feb. 24, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- A character of principle, integrity and stoicism will take the stage at the Majestic Theater on Thursday.

Sir Thomas Moore's battle to remain faithful to the Catholic Church and survive the wrath of King Henry VIII will be illustrated in the theater's production of the classic "A Man for All Seasons."

"Like all great plays, it deserves to be seen more than once," Danny Eaton, producing director, said of the play, which has undergone numerous adaptations.

"The story revolves around [British King] Henry VIII and his wanting to divorce his Catherine and wanting the Pope to grant [an annulment]," Eaton explained. Denied by the Pope, Henry made himself head of a new religion, the Church of England, forcing his subjects to conform.

"Moore opposed this even though he was a great friend of the king and was his chancellor," he explained. "You had this moral and ethical stalemate between Henry and Thomas Moore."

Eaton noted Moore inevitably paid "the ultimate price," his life.

He added the play draws many parallels to modern politics. "I think that sort of moral stance that the character makes in the play will really resonate with people," Eaton said.

Robert Clark, the actor playing Henry, explained he was drawn to the production because of the complicated dynamic between his character and Moore.

"I like that even though Thomas Moore stuck to his principles, they were still great friends," he said.

Clark explained that to get into character he's completed research about the historic period as well as the king's presence and mannerisms.

He said he's looking to "mimic" the character's stately manner, while infusing some of his own personality into the role. "I don't see myself as all that pompous," Clark added with a chuckle.

Eaton said he's eager to continue the Majestic's season with another great show. He noted the subscriber base is up from last season.

"We're having quite a good year," he noted. "When you're in a depression or fiscal hard times, the places like the movies and affordable entertainment venues do quite well."

"A Man for All Seasons" will run Feb. 25 to April 3, followed by the season's final production, "The Fantasticks," running April 15 through May 23.

For more information about the Majestic Theater or for tickets, call the box office at 747-7797 or visit www.majestic theater.com.

The performance schedule for "A Man for All Seasons" is as follows:

• Feb 25: 7:30 p.m.

• Feb 26 - 27: 8 p.m.

• Feb 28: 2 p.m.

• March 3: 7 p.m.

• March 4: 7:30 p.m.

• March 5 - 6: 8 p.m.

• March 7: 2 p.m.

• March 10: 7 p.m. including talkback with cast and crew following the performance

• March 11: 7:30 p.m.

• March 12 - 13: 8 p.m.

• March 14: 2 and 7 p.m.

• March 17: 7 p.m.

• March 18: 7:30 p.m.

• March 19 - 20: 8 p.m.

• March 21: 2 and 7 p.m.

• Mar 24: 7 p.m.

• March 25: 7:30 p.m. including talkback with cast and crew following the performance

• March 26 - 27: 8 p.m.

• March 28: 2 p.m.

• March 31: 7 p.m.

• April 1: 7:30 p.m.

• April 2: 8 p.m.

• April 3: 2 and 8 p.m.