Theatre Review: "Hamlet" by Capital Classics Theatre Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Capital Classics Theatre Company ambitiously produced two Shakespearean works this year for the 33rd season of Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. The comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” runs in repertory with the tragedy “Hamlet” through Aug. 4 at The University of St. Joseph in West Hartford.

I was able to review the outdoor production of “The Taming of the Shrew” last week, and this week returned to West Hartford to take in an indoor performance of the “Hamlet,” on the stage of the Hoffman Auditorium on the St. Joseph’s campus, with the very talented Equity actor Mauricio Miranda in the title role. The tragedy is directed by Geoffrey Sheehan with Rachel Kiel as stage manager.

The director explained that in order to keep the performance under three hours, he decided to keep the focus on the character of Hamlet, trimming the more political elements involving Fortinbras, a character who does not appear. Having a few of the actors enter through the aisles, the indoor version seemingly retained some of the outdoor performance.

The monologues still contain all of the classic quotes but there are also a few contemporary additions that bring a smile.

“What piece of work is man! How noble in reason!”

Miranda gives an impressive performance as the tortured prince of Denmark. The experienced actor has appeared in “A Christmas Carol” at Hartford Stage and “Much Ado About Nothing” with Capital Classics, and many other Shakespeare productions, including “The Tempest” with Elm Shakespeare in New Haven and "As You Like It" with Shakespeare on the Sound. While earning his MFA Acting at UConn, he performed with Connecticut Repertory Theatre.

Heri Cruz, Jr., who was a joy in the role of Petruchio in the “Shrew” cast, takes on the role of Laertes, the brother of Ophelia.

Kiera Sheeha, who played Katherina in “Shrew,” gives a fine performance as Horatio. Joshua Eddy appears as King Claudius and the ghost of the brother he has slain, for “something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Laura Sheehan plays the mother of Hamlet, Queen Gertrude.

Rebecca Ellis shines in the role of Polonius, usually played as the father of Ophelia. Director told the audience that Ellis was so strong in her audition that he decided to slide the role to the mother of Ophelia and Laertes. Ophelia is played very well by Anna Pitblado, who plaintively sings as she slips into madness.

Josh Karam covers the roles of Francisco, Player 1/King, and the Duel Attendant. Tim Diebolt shows off his range as Barnardo, Player 3/Killer (Lucianus,) a priest and another Duel Attendant. Joslyn Eaddy Melendez (Bianca in “Shrew”) covers Marcellus, Player 2/Queen, and a Duel Attendant.

“The play’s the thing…... Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King.”

Supporting roles are covered by three other busy actors and kudos to all of these performers for juggling multiple characters in both of the productions. Marie R. Altenor plays Rosencrantz, a Gravedigger 1, and a Lady of the Court. Jason Petroluongo does really well as Guildenstern, a Coffin Carrier, and a Lord of the Court. Sam Lundstrom plays Player 4/Prologue, a Sailor, Gravedigger 2, a Coffin Carrier and Osric.

Jaeme Brennen McDonald appears onstage on electric guitar as the musician/composer of the incidental music between scenes and elsewhere on piano. The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” as in “Hey, ho, let’s go,” can be heard.

Alyse Lamb designed the Elizabethan-period costumes that set the scene well and Julia Sheehan and Grace Parrow were in charge of the necessary props. David Lynn Chandler was in charge of the realistic combat choreography.

The set designed by David Regan was moved indoors to the stage of the lovely auditorium when the rain began to fall prior to the curtain time and was nicely lit by Robyn E. Joyce. The actors performed without microphones at the indoor show, causing me to miss a few lines here and there. Overall, I was surprised at how many passages of this work that I still remembered accurately.

Be sure to reference the “Hamlet” synopsis in the printed program that is broken down by scene to understand the finer points of the action. If the performance is moved indoors due to weather, patrons are invited to return for an outdoor performance to experience the joy of Shakespeare on the lawn. For me, there is nothing greater in the summer.

Way too hot? Too rainy? Too lightningy??? DON'T WORRY! In the event of inclement weather, the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival performance will move indoors to the University of Saint Joseph Bruyette Atheneum. No matter what, the show will go on with USJ concessions for sale! Buy with confidence for our final four performances of HAMLET and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Tickets & schedule: CapitalClassics.org