Hamlet, Cha Cha Cha

May 2013

Totally insane. And totally hilarious. You all know the story of Hamlet–but never has a plot line been followed by the nearest buffet table? Can you see Gertrude and Claudius, married on their way home from King Hamlet’s funeral, leading the opening number of the show, “Boo Hoo! I Do!”? Or picture the soliloquy done by Prince Hamlet with a back up male chorus chanting “Doo waaah!” at inappropriate intervals? And how about Queen Gertrude, backed up by the female chorus [the “Elsinoritas,” of course], telling Laertes about Ophelia’s dreadful death in a hand clapper called “Down, Down, Down the River!”? And will you recognize Hamlet’s two college chums, herein known as “Rosie Krantz” and “Gilda Stern”? And if you think you know the way the story turns out– you don’t. Not in this version, anyhow. Believe us, if you’ve always hated Shakespearean plays, you’ll love this show– but paradoxically, you’ve always loved Shakespearian plays, you’ll love this show despite yourself.

Cast

Hamlet – Peter Dowling

Ophelia – Jenny Pearson

Laertes – Geoff Hawthorne

Horatio – Donnie Williams

Polonius – Simon Moody

Gertrude – Kate Kisselstein

Claudius – Doug McCall

Rosie Kranz – Kasey McHale

Gilda Stern – Crystal Rowlands

Butler – Harlow Kisselstein

Elsenioritas:  Jillian Kline, Leslie Smith, Allie Villa, Val Garfield, Kathy Egloff,  Stephanie McCall, Amey Oney, Ashley Oney, Michaela Oney

Troupers:  Daryl Acevedo, Phil Brady, Miquon Jackson, & Zach Siracuse

Production Team

Directed by Jenn DeCook
Music Direction by Abel Searor
Costumed by Barbara Toman
Stage Managed by Meghan Pearson