“Michael Radi, I can only say that I loved it. I don’t know how many first runs and tryouts I have seen over the years, LOTS, both here and in England, and never before have I felt that I was watching a play that I believed would move, expand, and grow into Broadway and London. I think you’ve got a smash.”

“In a world with so much bad news, I’d love to gush with some great news ⭐️

History untold and uncritically remembered repeats itself, as we’re seeing all too clearly, across too many continents.

With immense joy, I just witnessed The King’s Legacy at the Bristol Valley Theater and Friends, it is SO worth your time, your attention, your dollars, your slight edge of hope for our species.

It’s the genius, timely depiction of King Henry VIII at the height of the Tudor Court, told through the voices and gorgeous, many-part harmonies of his (six) wives and subsequent daughters. Yes, Henry shreds every ounce of his integrity, humanity & the social fabric of his nation in a vain vision to replace himself with a male heir. After Queen Elizabeth I was crowned, she changed the world with the kind of care only borne in seeing & surviving such injustice.

This is ✨such✨ an important story for our times, that much more impactful for being written by Michael Radi, western New York native, who has chosen to leverage his white male privilege to share this historic, hilarious, humbling and cautionary tale so brilliantly. I laughed, I cried. I want to go see it again.

This is final weekend of The King’s Legacy, with performances each day through Sunday. Here’s more info: http://bvtnaples.org/kingslegacy/ ⭐️

Throughout the story, young Elizabeth reads a letter written to her by Ann Boleyn, her mother, here excerpted:

“My darling daughter Elizabeth: Never forget that you live in a man’s world. Women do have their ways of playing the game, and you must use the gifts you are given to your advantage. Align your desires with the men around you, if you can, and the path will be much smoother. But if you cannot, forge ahead and persist. And if you play your cards right, you may become exactly what Henry, and all of England, has always needed and hoped for. I know you can, and you will.

Listen to those around you and learn from all. Heed counsel and remember, sometimes the best advice comes from the most unlikely places.

Allow my death to be a new beginning for you, Daughter. May it spark in you a desire to change this world. Lizzy, outshine us all.”

ps - Thanks to all the extraordinary women (and men 🙌🏽) in this world who help me see and shape the world as we know it, every day, in every way, and especially you, MamaBird ✨♥️✨”

“Just got home from the World Premier of the King’s Legacy. What an amazing experience! If you like theater, if you like music, if you like English history or royal dynasties - you should go see this play. Really. I’m not kidding. It’s great.”

“I have to say... This is AWESOME!! The story is great. The music is wonderful. It’s funny.. it shows how women are powerful too! You have to see how talented the actors are! Michael Radi is so talented, he is definitely on the rise, I love that he was in it! See it now and then see it again. I know this will be big!! Congrats Michael Radi! U done good! Get to BVT! #BVT”

“Excellent cast right down to the young lady who played young Elizabeth! Beautiful singing with great music, clever lyrics and a thought-provoking script. Hope to see this play in other venues - maybe NYC? It certainly belongs there!”

“We saw the show on Saturday night, and we must say that BVT outdid itself on this one. Great performances by everyone. We were so impressed by the writer of this original show, and hope that it gets selected by theatres elsewhere this winter, too. BRAVO”

“I absolutely LOVED it!

Oh my gosh. So incredibly well done. Very impressive Chris J Handley and Michael Radi cast and crew and Rich Miller-loud and clear! I want the soundtrack!

I am still amazed by it. The music and creativity. I might have to see it again tomorrow.”

“Opening night of the new musical “The King’s Legacy” by Michael Radi. Wow! So good. Amazing music! Amazing cast! Amazing creation! Kudos to Mark Poppleton and Michael for their comedic moments. And to Chris J Handley for his direction. Seeing it again next Fri. This Tudorphile is a happy camper.

Second time seeing “The King’s Legacy” last night. Even better than opening night. I got to meet a couple of the ladies who are also in the “Queen Anne Boleyn “ group on FB. They came from Dallas, MN and all over to our Bristol Valley Theater to see Michael Radi’s show. They were dressed in costumes that were amazing. Hope the word continues to grow and sees more and more venues. Sadly, it was our last show of the season and what a great season it was. Can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

“Amazing play. The acting the songs and singing are wonderful I enjoyed it so much.”

“Such an awesome cast in an amazing show!”

“It was fabulous! So glad we got to enjoy, congratulations to Michael, AND his proud parents for an outstanding production!!”

“It was wonderful! So happy we got to experience it and talk with Mike. Beautiful music, amazing voices and great script ❤️”

“Here’s what audiences are saying about BVT’s world premiere musical, The King’s Legacy—plays today thru Sunday. Catch it while you can!:

”BVT outdid itself on this one. Great performances by everyone.”

”What an amazing experience! If you like theater, if you like music, if you like English history or royal dynasties - you should go see this play. Really. I’m not kidding. It’s great!”

”This is AWESOME!! The story is great. The music is wonderful. It’s funny.. it shows how women are powerful too! You have to see how talented the actors are! Michael Radi is so talented, he is definitely on the rise.””