Plotting For Power

The year is 1527 and you’re walking along the streets of England. The country is in political and religious unrest because King Henry VIII is still without a male heir. It’s all the country can talk about. Then, Thomas Cromwell begins his rise to the king’s chief minister in 1532, a powerful event in the English Reformation. The king’s wife, Anne Boleyn, is even set for a beheading — a scandalous tale itself. What is England to do?

This is the story of Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall.” Now through March 23, The North Fork Community Theatre in Mattituck presents a Colin Palmer- directed and Laura Pearsall- produced stage adaptation of Mantel’s novel.

“I was definitely drawn by the challenge,” Palmer said.  “I think any play where politicians and rulers are constantly conniving and plotting their way to power is going to be relevant. Especially ‘Wolf Hall,’ where people are willing to jeopardize their own convictions in order to achieve their own ends. This is definitely a great show to see as Primary season is in full swing.”

“Wolf Hall” stars 22 local performers: John Bradley, John Condon, Mike Drozd, Meghan Duffy, Bill Gardner, Justin Harris, Huck Hirsch, Michael Horn, Brianna Kinnier, Christian Lepore, Connor Liddell, Eric Momente, AD Newcomer, Colin Palmer, Jim Pearsall, Pete Peterson, Wendy Peterson, Sarah Storjohann, John Tramontana, Brian Truden, Skylar Wowak, and John Yaiullo.

Like any good drama, the mood is carefully captured through light designed by Kayla Lessard. Diane Peterson created costumes indicative of the era — a visual piece that instantly transports the audience to Tudor England.

The North Fork Community Theatre is located on 12700 Old Sound Avenue in Mattituck. Show dates are Friday through Sunday, March 13 to 15, and March 20 to 22. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.nfct.com.

nicole@indyeastend.com