While something may be rotten in the state of Denmark, there is nothing rotten with Ohio Shakespeare Festival's production of "Hamlet," which opened on the grounds of Stan Hywet Hall July 17.
"Hamlet," here directed by Terry Burgler (who also plays the murderous king Claudius) is arguably Shakespeare's best-known play and one of his most-quoted. But even for those who have not studied "Hamlet," or haven't seen or read it in some time, Ohio Shakespeare Festival's rendition is easy to follow. While most of the play is pretty dark, the company brings out the play's funnier moments with skill.
Andrew Cruse, who plays the title role, delivers his many lengthy speeches with unflagging energy; never once did my attention stray. Also, special kudos for the music and makeup for the appearances of the ghost king (played by Alfred Anderson). The effects were enough to be genuinely creepy without treading into cheesiness.
Burgler said that he was pleased with the size of the opening night audience, who came despite the scorching heat and high humidity. He called the play "very tight" and straightforward, with the storyline needing little embellishment.
In the play, Hamlet is mourning the death of his father, the late king of Denmark, and he chafes under the fact that his mother Gertrude (played by Gwendolyn Lewis) has married his father's brother, Claudius. His grief turns to anger when he comes upon his father's ghost, who implores his son to avenge his murder by the hand of Claudius. Hamlet proceeds to drive everyone except his best friend Horatio (played by Adam Hoffman) away, including his sweetheart Ophelia (played by Lara Mielcarek). The result is, of course, eventually tragic.
Other cast members include Richard Figge as the bumbling busybody Polonius; Andy Nagraj as Ophelia's brother Laertes; and Ernie Gonzales and Tess Burgler as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern respectively.
Ticket and show information
Individual seats are $23 for open seating and $26 for reserved. Ticket packages are available; call 330-315-3287 or visit www.stanhywet.org for details.
Upcoming shows
"I Hate Hamlet," the final show of Ohio Shakespeare Festival's summer season, runs two weekends Aug. 7 through 17.
Admission for the preview night Aug. 7 is $10. Remaining shows are Aug. 8 through 10 and Aug. 14 through 17.
Theater-goers may bring a pre-curtain picnic or purchase sandwiches or desserts (prepared by the Mustard Seed Market) from the Stan Hywet Café.
Guests are also invited to walk the gardens and grounds before the performances begin.
Tram service is available from the entry gate to the Lagoon stage before and after performances.
"Hamlet" also includes a "greenshow" at 7:30 p.m. -- a pre-performance opening act and time-honored tradition in Shakespearean theater.
E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153