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Brent Vimtrup as Hamlet. Photo by Rich Sofranko.
HAMLET presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Feb. 9.
Cincinati Shakesperae Company kicks off 2014 with a solid production of Wiliam Shakepeare’s HAMLET.
Scenic and Lighting Designer Andrew Hungerford continues excellent work on this production. Hats off also to Technical Director Travis McElroy, Carpenters Charlie Cromer & Zach Schute and Scenic artists by Sara Both Hall & Teresa McElroy for an impressive and functional set.
Bruce Cromer as Cladius & Sherman Fracher as Gertrude. Photo by Rich Sofranko.
Another strong ensemble showing led by Brent Vimtrup, Bruce Cromer, Sherman Fracher, Darnell Pierre Benjamin and Travis McElroy.
Good work by costume designer Heide Jo Schiemer on the female characters, but the men’s costumes didn’t seem as coherent. Where I found Caludis’ costumes to be sharp, the coat of Hamlet’s initial costume seemed over-sized and box-y on the actor.
The direction was focused and the show flowed well. It did seem like the pacing near the end of Act I noticeably slowed. The “ghost effect” worked well and was a fun bit of stage magic. I appreciate the effort in giving the audience that moment.
Brent Vimtrup as Hamlet & Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Horatio. Photo by Rich Sofranko.
During the play within a play, it was hard to see the King and Queen’s reaction. The royal couple being more upstage and the dim lighting challenged this old eyes from the back of the house. 🙂
Overall a fine production which leaves me excited to see the upcoming ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD with the same cast.
My rating: 4 out of 5
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