Exceptional Performances in “Hamlet” from Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park!

Hamlet (Luke Thomas Eddy) challenges his mother, Queen Gertrude (Kathryn Mcgill)

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is presenting “Hamlet” to put an exclamation on their 33^rd season.  Now that we have such beautiful cool evenings it is a welcome return to the Myriad Botanical Gardens for the performance.  “Hamlet” is one of the better known Shakespearean masterpieces; everywhere we go we take a bit of “Hamlet” along with us.  What falls ‘trippingly’ from our tongues in common speech is frequently Shakespearean, and, more often than not “Hamlet” is the source.

“Hamlet” is always studied in high school and is frequently performed making virtually everyone familiar with the show. Even those who haven’t seen it recognize it easily.  And still it is not always understood.  The language of Shakespeare is from the Elizabethan era and our manner of speaking has altered significantly.  Unfortunately one of the things that makes Shakespeare difficult to understand and, therefore, appreciate is that it seems the performers do not always understand it very well either.  Not so with Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park!  In their production of “Hamlet” opening September 14, 2017, the actors are interpreting the show clearly, passionately and accurately.  Their understanding of the script and the language therein makes this an excellent show, and probably the best live performance of “Hamlet” seen in some time. This production is an essential one for students studying “Hamlet” or those who are simply interested in excellent theatre.

Performing outdoors is fraught with danger, and Shakespeare in the Park carries off all the outdoor performances with graceful aplomb.  In this production, Lance D. Marsh directs a superb cast–perfectly able to carry off the production with ease in spite of the occasional ad-libbing duck.  Special moments take place with Luke Thomas Eddy, excellent as Hamlet and Kathryn McGill, wonderful as Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude.  Isaiah Williams is a delight to watch as Horatio, with Jeffrey Ambrosini as Claudius and Mark Branson as Polonius.  Julia Waits is a lovely and luscious Ophelia and Daniel C. Brown is convincing as Laertes.  Korri Werner is Rosencrantz and Isaiah Werner is Guildenstern an interesting pairing that pays off. Joseph Burliegh is an excellent Marcellus and Mark Johnson is wonderful as the gravedigger.  Osric/Player Queen is Sarah Lomize, exquisite in both parts.  All the actors lend a great deal of verisimilitude and excitement to the play. Understudies Preston Chapman (Hamlet) Allison Morris (Ophelia) and Abigail Lafont (Rosencrantz) keep the cast on their toes!

The confidence in performance, especially from Eddy’s powerful showing gives the audience the opportunity to really appreciate the show and Shakespeare in live theatre as it should be seen.  Eddy is also the fight director for “Hamlet” and is the Head of Movement and Stage Combat for Oklahoma City University’s School of Theatre. Considering that Marsh is also a professor at Oklahoma City University, is it any wonder that OCU has such an outstanding theatre department?    Marsh and Eddy head the team of actors that give this “Hamlet” it’s essence and perfection.  McGill is wonderful as Gertrude but she is also the Executive/Artistic Director of Shakespeare in the Park.  Another essential member of an excellent team. 

Luke Thomas Eddy as Hamlet and Julia Waits as Ophelia

The crew headed by Whitney Hendricks in stage management and LaFont and Morris as assistant directors are essential and essentially inspired in leading the sacrifice that technical shows require in the natural venue.  They are often the unsung heroes of any production but they hold the key, if not the shovel that create the illusion.

“Hamlet” will continue playing in the beautiful setting provided by the Myriad Botanical Gardens through September 30, 2017, with performances at 8:00 pm.  For information about all of the wonderful programs offered by the Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park Company and, of course, tickets to “Hamlet” visit www.oklahomashakespeare.com or call the box office 405-235-3700.  Seeing this production of “Hamlet” is one of the most enjoyable educational experiences anyone can have with family and friends, so act quickly to ensure you are forever illuminated.

BONUS MATERIAL:

Teachers and parents take note…

How you will feel after seeing Hamlet