Guthrie's Tours And HENRY V Production Brings Big Success

The Acting Company and Guthrie Theater production of Shakespeare's Henry V ended its hugely successful run in the Dowling Studio this past Sunday, having played to a stunning 95% of capacity during the 26 performance engagement.

Henry V marks another triumph in the long line of successful Guthrie presentations and collaborations in both the Dowling Studio and on the McGuire Proscenium Stage. The Guthrie began presenting the work of smaller theater companies in 2006 as part of the first season in its three-stage complex. The presentations proved so successful for both the Guthrie and the producing companies that many of these productions have become highlights of the Twin Cities theater season and insure future artistic collaborations at the Guthrie.

"We're thrilled that the Guthrie and particularly the Dowling Studio is fulfilling its promise as a kind of town hall for theater in the Twin Cities," Guthrie Director Joe Dowling said. "By providing a gathering place for companies with various aesthetics to present their works, we're able to introduce this exciting work to much larger audiences than typically have the opportunity to see these productions. Particularly in these difficult economic times, we're very proud to have a hand in maintaining the vibrancy of the Twin Cities' theater community."

Recent successful productions in the Studio include Theater Latte Da's moving production of Old Wicked Songs and Pillsbury House Theatre's critically acclaimed Blackbird. Since 2006, the Guthrie has presented the work of 12 companies in the Dowling Studio and one on the McGuire Proscenium. These presentations at the Guthrie exceeded the typical audience numbers for each visiting company and, for some, provided benefits that went far beyond the box office.

Rick Shiomi, artistic director of Mu Performing Arts, said, "Our show at the Dowling was immensely successful in terms of simple box office numbers, but also in profile and funder respect for our company." Circle Around the Island played to 75% of capacity - much more than the attendance of other similar Mu productions at other venues.

For Commonweal Theatre, based in Lanesboro, Minn., bringing their production of Ghosts to the Dowling Studio achieved not only 87% capacity, compared to their average 59%, it also assisted the growth of the company. "We were able to reach a very significant segment of our support base at a critical time in our fund raising efforts for the new building," Commonweal Artistic Direct Hal Cropp said. "The press and the social events surrounding our stay at the Guthrie were an important factor in completing the building campaign."

Penumbra Theatre, which produced August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean at the Guthrie last season, normally plays to just over 5,000 people during an average run. Their production of Gem of the Ocean at the Guthrie in 2008 was seen by nearly 13,000 people. Penumbra returns to the Guthrie this March, presenting a critically acclaimed production of A Raisin in the Sun on the McGuire Proscenium, which the company expects will see similar success this season.

Henry V, a co-production between the Guthrie and The Acting Company, begins a national tour this week, with plans to play at least 26 cities including a run at New York City's New Victory Theater. The complete Henry V tour schedule is available at www.theactingcompany.org.

"It's enormously gratifying to bring new artistic experiences to audiences, whether here in Minneapolis or around the country," Joe Dowling said. "We know the power of live performance to encourage and inspire and we look forward to many more presentations and collaborations that serve our audiences and our community."

The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. The Guthrie is dedicated to producing the great works of dramatic literature, developing the work of contemporary playwrights and cultivating the next generation of theater artists. Led by Director Joe Dowling since 1995, the Guthrie opened their new three-theater home on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in June 2006.

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily at 612.377.2224 or toll-free 877.44.STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.guthrietheater.org.