This joint production of Nashville Shakespeare Festival and Lipscomb University offers a fairly rare mounting of the Bard’s history play based on the life of King Richard II of England, who ruled 1377-1399. Further drawing attention to the play’s 14th-century political intrigue, assembled armies and manly posturing is the all-female cast, which mixes pro players and students under the direction of Sean Martin. The noted veterans onstage are Beki Baker, Carrie Brewer, Denice Hicks, Evelyn O’Neal Brush, Terry Occhiogrosso, Wesley Paine and Nashville newcomer Caroline Amos in the title role. Among the dozen students are Mary Elizabeth Roberts, Kaylea Frezza, Emily Meinerding and Brooklyn Thompson. An academic note on the script: Richard II is the lesser recognized first part of the tetralogy of Shakespearean histories that includes the better-known Henry IV (Parts 1 & II) and Henry V. MARTIN BRADY
Richard II
