SOURCE: Henning, Joel. Review of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.” Wall Street Journal (11 March 1999): A20.

In the following review of Barbara Gaines's 1999 staging of Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 at the Chicago's Shakespeare Repertory Theater, Henning praises the outstanding performances of nearly all the cast members, and applauds the dramaturgical effects employed by Gaines and her lighting, music, and costume designers.

Part 1 of Shakespeare's Henry IV is arguably his best and most theatrical play, which makes it one of the very best plays we have in our language. Part 2, when it must stand alone, isn't as good; it's darker and less heroic, but it's even funnier and offers another hugely entertaining helping of that gigantic character, Sir John Falstaff. Both parts are on offer by the Shakespeare Repertory Theater through May 2 and—if you are ever tempted to travel for an epic theater experience—this is a chance to do...