Heavy is the head that wears the crown. So the history goes in Shakespeare’s three dramas encompassing the life and times of key players in the tumultuous English monarchy from 1398 to 1420: Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. Known as the Henriad or History Cycle, this dramatic feat marks a return to a historic moment for the Guthrie, as it was performed in rotating repertory on our stage more than 30 years ago. Performed by a single company of 25 actors, this three-play event will immerse audiences in Shakespeare’s examination of power, those who seek it and those who are destroyed by the power they crave.

EPSG:4326

A Brittle Glory
Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V

Guthrie Theater

As the Great Recession of 2008 begins to decimate industries across America, the once-gleaming “Motor City” has lost its luster. At one of its still-standing auto factories, four colleagues-turned-friends hear rumors that their plant is facing foreclosure. Faye, Dez, Shanita and Reggie all have different stakes in the company should it go under, which they grapple with in the break room as the fear of losing their jobs looms. In the final chapter of her acclaimed Detroit trilogy, Dominique Morisseau wrestles with questions of grief, loyalty and self-preservation while exploring the monumental impact of the Recession-era economy on middle-class life.

Skeleton Crew

On Skid Row, Mr. Mushnik plans to shutter his failing florist shop when his timid staffer Seymour presents an exotic-but-wilted flytrap named Audrey II. Convinced it will boost business, Seymour encourages Mr. Mushnik to display the peculiar plant, which Seymour successfully revives. As Audrey II draws much-needed crowds to the shop, Seymour makes a disturbing discovery: It needs fresh blood (and lots of it) to grow — a secret that forces Seymour into a Faustian bargain to keep his fame and fortune intact. A hilarious mashup of science fiction, horror and musical theater, this cult-classic boasts Motown-inspired hits like “Feed Me (Git It),” “Suddenly, Seymour” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Little Shop of Horrors

In Karaj, Iran, educator Marjan, who perfected her English during a nine-year stint in Britain, strictly maintains an English-only method to ensure her four students pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with flying colors. Everyone has varying motivations, accents and enthusiasm as they pursue fluency together — Marjan included, who feels her own proficiency slipping. After six weeks of trial, error and effort, what they discover about themselves may be the greatest learning curve of all. Iranian American playwright Sanaz Toossi tenderly explores the realities of the language-learning process and the parts of our identities that are lost and found along the way.

Guthrie Theater

Mar 23 - May 24, 2024

A Brittle Glory Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V

May 4 - Jun 9, 2024

Skeleton Crew

Jun 22 - Aug 18, 2024

Little Shop of Horrors

Jul 13 - Aug 18, 2024

English

Guthrie Theater

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