By DANIEL SHOCK
Reviewed for A Seat on the Aisle
For its 30th anniversary production of Shakespeare in the Park, the Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission has selected The Tragedy of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s well-known tale of murder and revenge.
Filmed versions of the story from Franco Zeffereli and Kenneth Branagh opened my eyes to the story and allowed me to appreciate it. Seeing these films with their star-filled casts taught me a lesson: Shakespeare should be seen and heard. The words should be spoken aloud.
Director Jennie Otterman has assembled a diverse and talented cast for this 30th anniversary production.
Logan Laflin effectively takes on the very challenging role of Prince Hamlet. As the murderous King Claudius, Ian Hauser plays the part as almost a reasonable man. For the first time, I felt for this character. Molly Belner is back on stage as Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother. Belner is moving as a woman caught between the clash of scheming and violent men.
Matt Hartzburg brings comic energy to Polonius, the meddler. He is a loving father to his daughter Ophelia and son Laertes. Anna Himes, in a standout performance, gives Ophelia vibrant life as she is transformed by Hamlet’s abuse from loving sister, friend and daughter to an anxiety ridden, gas-lit and grieving woman on the edge of sanity. As Ophelia’s brother, Laertes, Steven Moore is thrilling as he is pounded by grief and driven to revenge.
Nathaniel Taff, Gideon Roark, Madalyn Cottrell, Eric Dixon and Monya Wolf as the band of actors that come to entertain and stoke the fires of guilt in King Claudius are all funny and effective in their roles. As the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, Aaron Ploof is scary and foreboding.
Ka’lena Cuevas as Horatio and Logan Laflin as Prince Hamlet. (Photo provided by A Seat on the Aisle)
Three of the actors in the play were non-traditionally cast women in men’s roles. This is an encouraging trend, as it expands opportunity and gives new textures to roles that have been done and done and done.
Ka’lena Cuevas as Horatio, Hamlet’s closest friend, was exceptional. As Marcellus, Rachel Kelso was refreshing, and Kelli Conkin was obviously having fun as the Gravedigger.
Some of these performances forced me to think about the play in new ways. If Hamlet’s closest friends are women … what does that say about his mistreatment of Ophelia? For the first time with Hamlet, I questioned Hamlet’s role as ‘hero’. Does the murder of Hamlet’s father justify the bloodbath at the end of the play? I don’t have the answers, but I love that this production had me seeing new things and asking new questions.
I do have a couple of criticisms. They are small matters, but frustrating in that I feel that making a couple of changes would have a big impact:
- Costume and makeup: 98 percent of the costuming was great. However, one character I feel was really let down by his costume: Polonius. Matt Hartzburg is a young man brilliantly playing a spry old man, but his costume did none of the lifting for him. I would rather have seen him in a robe along with some attempt at aging him with makeup.
- Also, the Ghost, wonderfully played by Aaron Ploof would have benefited from makeup to make his face pale and haunting.
These are small matters and will not impede your enjoyment of the show. That aside, Horatio got my favorite costume of the show. I loved the blue coat.
Sound by Geoff Lynch was great. Dialog was clear and easy to hear. Effects were well done – beware that scary Ghost! Lights by Michael Totty and sets by Rob Heighway were likewise, masterly. Director Jen Otterman and Assistant Director Rob Heighway have delivered a thoughtful production of Hamlet that is well worth your time.
You only have one more chance to see it – absolutely free! Tonight it stages at 8:30 p.m. The performances are held in Noblesville at Federal Hill Commons, 175 Logan St. Running time is approximately one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission.