A spooky play William Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Written by The City Theatre Company   
HamletGhosts, Revenge, and ‘Murder Most Foul’ haunt Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Most Influential Play...
Austin, Texas – The City Theatre Company’s 2009 - 2010 full production season begins with William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the most famous tale of mystery, murder and betrayal. Opening October 22, this is a first time production at City Theatre and is perfect for the Halloween season as it casts its legendary themes of revenge and madness. It features Aaron Black as Hamlet, Tim Brown as Claudius, Christy Smith as Gertrude, Shannon Davis as Ophelia and with guest director Jeff Hinkle.


“I could a tale unfold whose lightest word/Would harrow up thy soul…”

 Indisputably one of the greatest tragedies of all time and the single work most written about in over 400 years, Hamlet is the story of a young Prince who endeavors to uncover the source of what is “rotten in the stage of Denmark.” Hamlet’s recently widowed mother has married his uncle while the ghost of Hamlet’s murdered father demands revenge. Forced by circumstance into a world turned upside down by distrust, madness and betrayal, Hamlet spirals downward in his relentless pursuit of truth, identity and the very nature of the soul. Shakespeare’s poetic genius dramatizes a family in crisis and a son torn between duty and doubt raising the profound human question, “to be or not to be?”

 

“What a piece of work is man – how noble in reason, how infinite in form and moving; how admirable in action; how like an angel in apprehension; how like a god!”

 

What is it about Hamlet that exerts a fascination over readers and audiences to this day? Director Jeff Hinkle comments “It is truly a great play, but also very contemporary dealing with human issues on an immediate level in today’s society.  Because themes of death, family tragedy and mental anguish are ever-present, the production will feature a fresh aesthetic that will open this play to a wide audience. It is about this time, the place we exist in now.” Artistic Director Andy Berkovsky says “This is the finest classical company of actors we have ever had the opportunity to work with. This single experience is about bringing together our core company of actors with Austin stage veterans and new-comers to create this unique and powerful piece of work on stage. It is truly amazing and a privilege.”

 

The cast includes Aaron Black (Hamlet), Tim Brown (Claudius), Christy Smith (Gertrude), Shannon Davis (Ophelia), Jeannie Harris (Polonius), Collin Bjork (Laertes), Bryan Headrick (Horatio), McArthur Moore (Fortinbras, Ghost, Gravedigger), Clay Avery (Rosencrantz), Alexander Hall (Guildenstern/Marcellus), John McNeill (Player King), Leslie Robinson (Player Queen/Barnardo/Osric), and Colter Creech (Captain/Voltemand/Cornelius).

 

The City Theatre Company production of Hamlet will have a run time of two hours and thirty minutes including intermission. The director and cast invite audiences to the talk backs after shows Sunday October 25 and November 8. Hamlet is part of the nationally organized Free Night of Theatre which offers complimentary tickets to the Austin community. The City Theatre is sponsored in part by the Austin Cultural Arts Division and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

 

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

October 22 – November 15

Thursday – Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m.

After show talk backs October 25 and November 8

The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. – east corner of Airport Blvd. and 38 ½ Street.

Reservations 512-524-2870 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tickets $15 - $20. Guaranteed Reserve Seating $25. Students $12. Group and senior discounts available.

Thursdays pay what you can. Visit our website www.citytheatreaustin.org