At 3 1/2 hours, Henry IV: The Heart of a Man is way too much of a good thing at Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival.

        R. Chris Reeder has adapted the two parts of Henry IV into one evening played by five actors.

        You couldn't ask for a better showcase for the powerhouse line-up of Nick Rose, Brian Isaac Phillips, Jeremy Dubin and Giles Davies, all in a variety of roles.

        The production returns to modern dress (black leather is favored) and a bare stage (a wooden bench and stool are the primary props) for the drama of bright, rebellious, slacker Prince Hal (Mr. Phillips). Hal is torn between the filial love and high expectations of his father Henry IV (Mr. Dubin) and the pleasures of low company, led by Falstaff (Mr. Rose), with many other characters coming and going.

        Adapting work demands making choices, and that's the one thing Mr. Reeder doesn't do. The Heart of a Man might as well be Henry IV's greatest hits. It seems Mr. Reeder can't bear to leave out any of the good stuff.

        In editing, he has eliminated much of what makes the plot flow clearly and deeply. If he were making gravy, it would be like leaving out the flour. There isn't much to hold the good stuff together.

        But, oh, the good stuff.

        The quartet of actors shine, in no small part thanks to Mr. Reeder's direction. He emphasizes physicality along with strong pacing, a great understanding of their characters and tight ensemble work. (Alas, Amy Hutchins in a variety of supporting roles is no match for her cast mates.)

        Mr. Phillips, Mr. Davies and Mr. Rose make a giddy trio as Hal and his sidekick Hotspur play out pranks on the puffed-up “ton of man” that is Falstaff, who falls for them every time.

        Mr. Rose reprises the role of Falstaff from the beginning of the season and Merry Wives of Windsor. He has a high old time playing the comic coward with an eye to the main chance.

        Mr. Phillips makes a charming Hal, both as a goof-off and the man who will be king. The scenes between a royal father and son, caught up in the kind of battle that has gone on between fathers and sons for centuries, are emotionally satisfying.

        There's no ignoring that the diminutive Mr. Dubin is always placed a step up or step down from tall Mr. Phillips to make them a better physical match. They're a fine match in the arena of emotional punch.

        Among many other admirable moments: Mr. Dubin becomes a small army of motley potential recruits with a switch of headgear and body language; Mr. Davies is all hot-headed warrior as Hotspur, Hal's cousin who is everything Hal is not, or has not yet become.

        Beyond the fine moments, the five-character device creates some problems. You will find yourself asking more than once “who are these people?” when several dramatis personae don't have a proper introduction. And more than once you mistake Mr. Phillips for Prince Hal when he's playing someone else.

        Designer Todd Edwards falls short of his usual good work, delivering a drab brown and cheap-looking setting. Costume designer Heidi Schiemer also commits a couple of big gaffes. She stuffs Nick Rose and his fat suit into a too-tight overcoat to play a rebellious noble. It's out of character and pulls us out of the story.
       Henry IV: The Heart of a Man, through May 27, Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, 719 Race St., downtown. 381-2273.

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