Folger Theater's production of Henry IV Part I, with its grand design and pedigreed actors, lends itself nicely to marketing such as "Rick Foucheux IS Henry IV" and "FEATURING Delaney Williams as Falstaff." And while those familiar faces are undeniably excellent, the marquee headline really belongs to a less recognizable actor whose role isn't quite so flashy: David Graham Jones as Hotspur.

Jones, a D.C. newcomer, is riveting as the ambitious Hotspur, rival to Hal (Tom Story), the prince whose job it is to come of age during the production. With his darting, beady eyes, his snide confidence and his wicked humor, Jones brings to life scenes that could be far less interesting in other hands - when he and his wife (Ellen Adair) quarrel over their separation, it turns into a struggle for dominance, a sexual game. With such an intriguing, multi-dimensional challenger to our king and prince, what befalls the antagonist seems less an inevitable justice and more a shame.

Seriously, isn't Falstaff supposed to be the scene-stealer in this work? The truth is, Williams is wonderful as the shifty friend of Hal's who's confronted with his own cowardice when times become more bleak. The character is among the Bard's most fascinating, ever the lovable fool, but a man who becomes a challenge not to write off. Williams embraces Falstaff's antics with gusto, but always seems to be teetering between reform and debauchery.

The play's chief conflict, however, lies not between Falstaff and his soul, but between Henry (Foucheux, understated but commanding) and his ne'er do well son, who'd rather be carousing with his friend than dealing with royal responsibilities. Story's take on the character is pretty effeminate - homoerotic undertones in Falstaff and Hal's relationship is no new ground, but that doesn't seem the real drive of this characterization. Story's Hal seems not only reluctant to fight, but arguably not up to the task. While the twist can be initially disconcerting, it actually ends up driving home Hal's conversion even more convincingly - this isn't a guy you expect to see donning armor and fighting viciously, but behind those eyes are a determination that can only be fueled by an untouchable family loyalty and call to duty.

Folger's Henry IV Part I is surprising not for its emotional impact - our first looming image of a lone royal chair, surrounded by fog and lush drapery lends the show an initial grandeur that never really disappears. What's surprising is just how much fun it all is - the lazy man-children we've come to expect from the Judd Apatow creations of today seem downright boring when compared to Hal and his crew. They may be immature, but pulling off a prank as impressive as the prince's elaborate robbery of robbers shows at least some sort of gumption.

Henry IV Part I runs through Nov. 16 at the Folger. Tickets are available online.