Actors' Shakespeare Project Dazzles With A Majestic Production of "Hamlet" - Through November 6th at The Church of the Covenant

The Actors' Shakespeare Project has brilliantly chosen as the venue for their current production of "Hamlet" the majestic and beautiful sanctuary of the Church of the Covenant in Back Bay. This setting makes us feel as if we are in the royal court in Elsinore. Director Doug Lockwood also decided to make use of the pipe organ and grand piano that grace the sanctuary to provide background music during scene transitions and during the ghostly visitations of Hamlet's father. The overall effect is that I found this to be one of the most interesting and engaging productions I have seen of Shakespeare's iconic masterpiece.

Mr. Lockwood has assembled a gifted cast of actors who are supported by the very able creative team.  With minimal equipment, Lighting Designer Deb Sullivan changes moods and settings with subtle alteration of color and intensity of light. Likewise, Sound Designer Arshan Gailus provides background soundscape befitting the action of the play.   Costumes by Jessica Pribble are gorgeous and regal.  Set Designer Jenna McFarland Lord uses the inherent beauty of the sanctuary to suggested the royal court.

Omar Robinson as Hamlet
In the Majestic Sanctuary of
The Church of the Covenant
"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
Actors' Shakespeare Project
Through November 6th
Photo by Nile Scott Shots

• Omar Robinson brings an intensity and physicality to his interpretation of the troubled Prince of Denmark that is gripping. His rendering of the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is among the most effective I have ever witnessed.  This is not just familiar and flowery speech; this is real wrestling at the core of his being with life or death.
• As King Claudius, Ross MacDonald runs the gamut of emotions between kingly command as he manipulates Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and helpless resignation as he sees his plan to poison Hamlet go horribly wrong.
• Marianna Bassham is a very convincing Queen Gertrude, caught between her love for her departed husband, her new husband and king, and her bereaved son.
• Poornima Kirby is heart-rending as Ophelia, losing her wits in parallel with Hamlet's demise as she struggles to try to understand why he has withdrawn his love and now commits her "to a nunnery."
• The role of her brother, Laertes, is rendered powerfully by Alexander Platt, who doubles as Guildenstern, as well. The final dueling scene between Laertes and Hamlet is a highlight of this production.

Alexander Platt as Laertes

Poornima Kirby as Ophelia

"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Actors' Shakespeare Project

Through November 6th

Photo by Nile Scott Shots

• Their father, Polonius, is counselor to the king, and one of Shakespeare's most indelibly drawn fools. The formidable Richard Snee perfectly captures the ridiculousness of Polonius' posturings as he gives high sounding advice to Laertes as he prepares to embark on a journey, and then to Ophelia about how to handle affairs of the heart.  Mr. Snee portrays Polonius as a mouth-breather and a roller-of-the-eyes, and the effect is just as I think Shakespeare would have wished.  In a brilliant stroke of double casting, Mr. Snee doubles as The Ghost, pulling up a satin hood to cover his head to effect the transformation.

Richard Snee as Polonius

"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Actors' Shakespeare Project

Through November 6th

Photo by Nile Scott Shots

• Peter G. Anderson plays the dual roles of Horatio, faithful friend to Hamlet, and Rosencrantz. He is equally effective in both roles.

• Rory Boyd spends much of the play on the organ bench, occasionally offering a strident chord to signal a tense moment in the action, or using the pedals to activate the organ's sonorous 32 foot Diapason to suggest the haunting presence of The Ghost.  He also does able duty as the Player King and Priest.

Marianna Bassham as Gertrude
Ross MacDonald as Claudius
"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
Actors' Shakespeare Project
Through November 6th
Photo by Nile Scott Shots

The actors utilize many different parts of the sanctuary - the nave, the elevated pulpit, the aisles, the altar - all to good effect. The play is well paced, and the time seemed to fly by. Whether or not you are a fan of Shakespeare, this is a production you will not want to miss.  This is one of the finest production of Shakespeare's greatest play. It will continue through November 6th. Do yourself a favor; order your tickets now. "To thine own self be true"!

Actors' Shakespeare Project Website

Omar Robinson as Hamlet

"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Actors' Shakespeare Project

Through November 6th

Photo by Nile Scott Shots

Enjoy!

Al