Our local Merced Shakespearefest theater company will be bringing an exciting version of the bard’s “Hamlet” to the Merced Theatre on Nov. 21, 22 and 23.
The Tragedy of Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays, and it is the most revered drama in the English language.
Most are familiar with parts of the story and certainly with some of the famous monologues. Even people who do not have much experience with the Bard’s work can come up with the phrase “To be or not to be …” It is a medieval revenge story; however, its murders, politics, psychology and family dynamics can be utterly modern. No other play lets us look into the psyche of the protagonist like this one, and no other classic play combines questions about life and death with that special dark humor.
Merced Shakespearefest, now in its 24th season, tackles this masterpiece again. The first local staging of the play in 2013, with Colton Dennis in the title role, was quite a success. Founder and artistic director Heike Hambley will again be at the helm, this time at the beautiful, big Merced Theatre.
Hamlet is the longest of all Shakespeare plays, but not to worry, a modern cut by Professor Katie Brokaw, formerly from UC Merced, will be used. Albert Martinez as Hamlet and Haley Paulissian as Ophelia (both from Merced) are leading the cast of 19 actors, David Hambley from Merced and Charlene West from Modesto play the King and Queen. Martinez was last seen as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing in this year’s Shakespeare in the Park. He brings a wealth of experience and bold interpretation to the role!
Performances will be for one weekend only, Nov. 21, 22, 23, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main Street in downtown Merced.
Tickets cost $13, $23, or $33.
They can be purchased in the box office (Tuesday to Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), by calling (209) 381-0500, or online at mercedtheatre.org. For more information go to www.mercedshakespearefest.org or Facebook.