Austin Pendleton's Wars of the Roses Returns for Three Nights

Due to popular demand, Theater for the New City will present Austin Pendleton's Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III for three nights only on December 3, 4, and 5. The play, which Pendleton codirects with Peter Bloch, combines texts from William Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 3 and Richard III, in a version that played a critically acclaimed run last summer. There will be a talkback following each performance with Pendleton and the cast.

With the two texts combined, Pendleton's Wars of the Roses: Henry VI & Richard III explains how Richard III evolved into the events that shaped his tyranny. In the text of Henry VI, Part 3, Richard performs the role of a subjugated good brother while secretly behaving with bloodthirsty abandon. Killing Henry, Richard then declares himself severed from his family and brotherhood and stands alone in his quest for the crown. In the text of Richard III he is now the central character of the play stopping at nothing to become king, while keeping his subjects and rivals under his thumb.

The production stars Pendleton as Henry VI and Matt de Rogatis as Richard III. Joining them in the cast are Jim Broaddus, John Constantine, Adam Dodway, Milton Elliott, Carolyn Groves, Debra Lass, Johanna Leister, Rachel Marcus, Pete McElligott, Brian Patrick Murphy, John L. Payne, Tomas Russo, and Michael Villastrigo.

Lighting design is by Steven Wolf with Project Runway's Maya Luz serving as costume consultant.