Photo Courtesy of Hampshire Shakespeare Company

Break out your blankets; it's time for some theatre in the great outdoors. To kick off its 2009 season of Shakespeare Under the Stars, the Hampshire Shakespeare Company proudly presents one of the Bard's most enduring plays: Henry IV, Part 1. Even though it is listed as part one, it is actually the second in Shakespeare's four-part series of English history-based works, encapsulating the political and military struggles that led to the reign of King Henry V as well as introducing audiences to the popular rogue character Falstaff. The first two nights of performance are previews with discounted tickets available.

June 24-July 5, Wed.-Sun., 7:30 p.m., The Hartsbrook School, 193 Bay Rd., Hadley, (413) 848-2882, www.hampshireshakespeare.org.