The Play is the Thing

Hamlet – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

It’s pretty safe to say that, by the time a student has completed his high school education s(he) is familiar with William Shakespeare’s dramatic masterpiece. This play was the playwright’s most popular work during his own lifetime, and it continues to appeal to audiences today. Most avid theatergoers will have enjoyed several productions of the Bard’s most famous, and longest, play about the melancholy Dane. But, in Artistic Director Barbara Gaines’ stunning, new interpretation of this classic tragedy, two things stand out: a superb cast and an attention to detail.

Maurice Jones, sporting an impressive resume of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional credits, is absolutely captivating as Hamlet. He plays the Prince of Denmark like just a regular guy. He’s a young man who, understandably, is shattered by the sudden death of his father, the King. When we first encounter the young Dane, at the top of the play, he’s prostrate with grief at the rain-saturated graveside of his beloved father. He pours all his sadness into a song that, overcome with sadness, he can’t finish without breaking down completely. Then, suddenly, we view Queen Gertrude and King Claudius, as seen through Hamlet’s tortured eyes, while his mother and Uncle engage in a sexual flirtation. Dressed in their silky bedclothes the two seductively toy with each other before running off into the darkness. This disturbing juxtaposition jars and motivates the Prince to doubt how and why his father suddenly died.

Hamlet’s longtime friend, Horatio, urged by two castle sentries, Bernardo and Marcellus, have witnessed something supernatural that they feel the young Prince needs to see. The ghost of his dead father, magically created by Mike Tutaj’s excellent projections, and enhanced by Robert Wierzel’s lighting and Lindsay Jones’ sound design, appears upon the ramparts. The spirit convinces Hamlet that his death was the result of “murder, most foul.” He urges his son to act upon his suspicions that his Uncle murdered his brother, in order to become King, and then married his sister-in-law. With a warning from the eerie apparition, Hamlet sets his course for revenge, seeking to “catch the conscience of the King,” and proving once and for all that Claudius is evil incarnate.

In Barbara Gaines’ terrific, quick-paced production, she’s not only cast honest, likable Maurice Jones in the title role; she’s mined a great deal of the humor from Shakespeare’s script, which wisely offers a contrast to the drama. Polonius is beautifully portrayed by one of Chicago’s finest and most respected actors, Larry Yando. This hardworking thespian is an eloquent master of wit and humor, possessing textbook comic timing. Mr. Yando’s wonderful performance is reason alone to see this production. But add to this roster some choice, comedic moments contributed by Sean Allan Krill, as Hamlet’s bespectacled schoolmate, Horatio (although this actor also holds his own dramatically, as well); Alex Goodrich and Samuel Taylor, who are truly hilarious as dorky Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two more of Hamlet’s college buddies; Greg Vinkler and Mike Nussbaum as a pair of elderly, philosophical  gravediggers, in an applause-worthy comic scene that’s a treasure; and Kevin Gudahl, who plays both Marcellus and a gushing, gut-busting Osric, an actor who knows how to make an audience laugh.

The magnificent Karen Aldridge blessedly returns to the Chicago Shakespeare stage, once again in another role of royalty. She is, as always, graceful, poised and articulate, an exquisite Queen Gertrude. She portrays a woman who loves and lusts after her new husband, while continually troubled by the words and deeds of her son. Tim Decker radiates arrogance and menace as Claudius. He clearly just wants to get on with his responsibilities of ruling Denmark, but is exasperated by his stepson’s mysterious behavior. When Hamlet engages a troupe of traveling actors to perform a play that he’s certain will provoke Claudius, Mr. Decker reacts in a maelstrom of guilt and rage.

As Polonius’ two children, Ophelia and her brother Laertes, Rachel Nicks and Paul Deo, Jr. are excellent. Ms. Nicks’ scene in which the death of her father has driven her to madness is both sad and poetic. The lovely Ms. Nicks creates a heartbreaking young woman who seems to always be manipulated by the men in her life. Mr. Deo’s energy is boundless. His grief, upon hearing of both is father’s and sister’s deaths, is palatable and displayed through his polished swordplay with Hamlet, skillfully choreographed with ferocity and danger by Matt Hawkins. 

For this CST production, Scott Davis has designed a stage that is majestic, but still allows Barbara Gaines’ actors to take focus. Giant illuminated tapestries, a pedestal of thrones, an open grave and rain that falls like a torrent of tears dominate his scenic design. Susan E. Mickey elegantly costumes her cast in adapted modern dress. She employs shades of black, gray and light blue in the wardrobe. Hamlet appears in a black sweatshirt and jeans. Gertrude and Claudius are both stylish, she in a flowing, silver pleated ballgown and he in a charcoal gray sharkskin suit. The overall effect is tasteful and grand.

“Hamlet” may be the one play that everyone knows. From the time they’re in high school, theatergoers will have read, studied and experienced many productions in Chicago, if not beyond. This is Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy, and offers a role that every actor worth his salt aspires to play. That makes this production all the more noteworthy. Elegantly directed by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, this version will be remembered for a long time, with its splendid, talented cast, dignified splendor and much-appreciated comic moments. Truly, as Hamlet says, “The play is the thing.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas 

Presented April 17-June 9 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on their Courtyard Stage at Navy Pier.

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 312-595-5600 or by going to their website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.