And yet, of the three I've seen, today's Hamlet was easily the most compelling. Vince Eisenson brought the Danish Prince to life with vigor and physicality. His take was in stark contrast to Marcus Kyd's portrayal of Claudius, the murderous, plotting uncle who becomes king over the dead body of Hamlet's father. If I could paint you a visual it would be as if the manic tik tok cooker of vintage recipes, Dylan Hollis was Hamlet and Droll Conservative political commentator William F. Buckley Jr. were Claudius! The other actors were fine, I had a hard time connecting with Ophelia...but then, she is crazy, after all. A really little gem was Gregory Burgess as Gravedigger. And, of course, as always only Horatio lives to tell the tale.
The sets were stark, the costumes were modern garb. The Lighting plays something of a central roll in setting the mood against this minimalist background. Special mention to the Fight Choreographer, Kristen Pilgrim. The sword play was very impressive. As always a bottle or Prosecco was raffled off at intermission, and the cast came out afterward to engage the audience in a conversation--I did not stay needing to get home for Romeo, my precious little prince.
One of the things that makes Hamlet enjoyable are the shear number of common phrases and lines that come from this single work--I really believe more than any other.
Vince Eisenson as Hamlet
Ophelia (Elana Michelle) with her father as Polonius (DeJeanette Horne), the Lord Chamberlain
The Ghost of Hamlet's father (David Yezzi) looking on as Gertrude (Lesley Malin) Hamlet's mother and he have a serious conversation about the death of Hamlet's father.
Ophelia with her brother Laertes (JC Payne)
Hamlet and Gertrude as he asks her to recite lines for a impromptu play being performed for the Royal Court.
The final scene: Gertrude and Claudius (Marcus Kyd) Left, and Osric (Gregory Burgess) right look on as Hamlet and Laertes duel.
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