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CORVALLIS - The University Theatre program at Oregon State University will present a season of Shakespearean classics in 2002-03, leading off with a stirring historical drama, "Henry V."

The play will be presented at the Withycombe Hall main stage Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 21-23. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Withycombe Hall, located at 30th and Campus Way.

"Henry V" is one of Shakespeare's most memorable historical plays, made popular to modern audiences by a Laurence Olivier film in the 1940s, and remade to critical acclaim in 1989 with Kenneth Branagh. The play charts Henry's fight against the French, culminating in the battle of Agincourt.

The play includes one of Shakespeare's most famous speeches, which later was recited by a British office to his troops as they headed for Normandy on D-Day. The famous "Crispin's Day" oration also provided the title for the recent World War II television special, "Band of Brothers."

Twenty-nine cast members, many in multiple roles, contribute to the theatrical, story-telling approach of the OSU production. The cast includes two veteran stage actors: William Sibley, who portrays the King of France, is a retired theater educator from California, and George Lauris (Lt. Pistol) is director of drama at Linn-Benton Community College.

Sibley and his wife, Alice, have created an endowed scholarship for OSU's University Theatre. The first recipient of that scholarship, Amy Alexander, will play Princess Katharine and a chorus member in the production.

Directing "Henry V" is Charlotte Headrick. Scene designer is Richard George. OSU senior Aerin Holman, working with faculty member Barbara Mason, designed the period costumes for the production. Alan Bird choreographed the battle sequences for Agincourt. Marion Rossi created the sound effects.

Tickets for "Henry V" may be purchased at the box office beginning Monday, Nov. 11. It is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets also are available at 6:45 p.m. on play nights. For more information, call the box office at 541-737-2784.

Other Shakespearean productions planned by OSU include "Merchant of Venice," directed by Jack Watson; "Two Gentlemen of Verona," directed by Margaret Jones; and "The Tempest," directed by Rossi.

The cast members of "Henry V" include:

• Aumsville: Jason Craig, as Capt. MacMorris.

   

• Beaverton: Kris Santoro, a senior in theater arts, as the Duke of Exeter; Amy Alexander, a senior in theater arts, as Katherine, Scroop and a chorus member.

   

• Clackamas: Brad Choquette, a freshman (undeclared major), as Burgundy.

   

• Corvallis: Rob Hazel, a freshman in English, as Constable; William Sibley, retired theater irector, as the King of France; Evan Sether, a senior in history, as Prince Dauphin and a chorus member; Erik Potempa, a senior in business, as Henry V; Amy Edwards, a sophomore in theater arts, as a chorus member, a boy, and a messenger; Ahna Neal, a sophomore at LBCC, as Queen Isabel and Nell Quickly; Peter Platt, as Nym, Rambures, and a French soldier; Sean Dickinson, as Orleans.

   

• Cottage Grove: Aaron Windeler, a senior in philosophy, as the Archbishop of Canterbury and Capt. Fluellen.

   

• Estacada: Kristin Hoffman, a freshman in zoology, as Lord Grandpre' and a French soldier.

   

• Eugene: Kevin Wienecke, a junior in archaeology, as the Governor of Harfleur.

   

• Gladstone: Nyssa Walsh, an English major, as Westmoreland.

   

• Keizer: Katherin Carleski, a sophomore in science and pre-medicine, as Alice, a chorus member and a French soldier.

   

• Lebanon: Chad Smith, a senior in theater arts, as Bardolph.

   

• Lostine: Taylor Phelps, a freshman in animal sciences, as an English soldier.

   

• Portland: Courtney Silvester, a sophomore in French, as the Bishop of Ely and Capt. Gower; Alan Martin, a sophomore in computer science, as Sir Thomas Grey, Court, and Salisbury.

   

• Wilsonville: Kimberly Wilson, a freshman in theater arts, as the Duke of Bourben; Jenifer Craine, a freshman in theater arts, as a soldier.

   

• Wren: George Lauris, an instructor at LBCC, as Lt. Pistol.

   

• Washington
  Seattle: John Brotherton, a senior in business, as Gloucester and Michael Williams.

   

• Illinois
  Northbrook: Storianne Tipton, a senior in psychology, as Cambridge, a soldier and Capt. Jamy.

   

• Ohio
  Dayton: Allison Miller, a junior in biology and theater, as Montjoy.

   

• Pennyslvania
  Newville: Jillian Bower, a junior in music, as the Duke of Bedford, Bates and an English soldier.