SHAKESPEARE IN THE SPEAKEASY >>>

Before he becomes king, Prince Hal gives his dear old dad King Henry IV a few headaches. He drinks, throws down and hangs out with all manner of slatterns and washerwomen. He cavorts with Falstaff, a disreputable knight, while numerous parties plot against his father, the titular king. Eventually, he realizes the need to prove himself as heir to the throne, and the challenge to his father provides the perfect foil.

Watching Tacoma's Shakespeare in the Parking Lot troupe rehearse Henry IV Part 1, Act 4, Scenes 1 and 2 at the Speakeasy Arts Cooperative today, I wonder if the honor-crazy Hotspur (son and heir of the Earl of Northumberland and the nephew of the Earl of Worcester) might not steal the show. Prince Hal is the true focus and hero of the drama, which is considered Shakespeare's greatest history play, supposedly written in 1591 and 1592 along with Henry V and Henry VI. However watching the fiery female redhead perform the role of Hotspur, performing it as if it was opening night, the others, including Prince Hal, better step it up. She had her game face on, often screaming at her mistakes as if part of the play.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot was rehearsing for their upcoming Shakespeare-a-thon to be held April 23-24 at the Speakeasy. More than 50 actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts will recreate the three King Henry and two King Richard plays in "Shakespeare Unplugged" staged readings and performances.

Here is the schedule:

Friday, April 23 (the first 12 hours - the first four plays)

6:30 p.m.: Richard II

8:30 p.m.: Henry IV Parts 1 and 2

11:00 p.m.: Henry V 

Saturday, April 24 (the final 12 hours - the final four plays

3 p.m.: Henry VI Parts 1, 2, and 3

8 p.m.: Richard III

Saturday, the staged reading of Henry VI at 3 p.m. and the final show of the series, Richard III, will both be presented for free. Otherwise, adult tickets are $10 for each play. All plays will be free for those 18 and younger.

A "meal ticket," which will include the three Friday evening shows and an Elizabethan inspired dinner, is $32 or $45 for two. Meal ticket reservations must be made before April 19.

Call 253.318.5182 for more information and tickets.

And keep your eye on that redhead.