BWW Reviews: Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Presents Exceptional Production of HAMLET

When the weather cooperates as sweetly it did on opening night (May 28, 2010), there's nothing that can compare to the experience of sitting under the stars in Forest Park and watching an ensemble of top notch performers and technicians take on the task of staging one of William Shakespeare's classic works. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis is presenting Hamlet this time around, and it's a splendid production that will provide attendees with the opportunity to catch a performance of what may well be the most famous play in history. It's certainly Shakespeare's finest hour, and you're certain to encounter a veritable plethora of familiar phrases that have become part of our own creative language as you listen to his sparkling dialogue.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is filled with a brooding mix of anger and despair since his father was murdered, and the throne, and his mother, usurped by his Uncle Claudius. He has his own ideas about the nature of his father's death, and a meeting with his father's ghost confirms his suspicions, setting him on a ruthless and cunning course of vengeance. He utilizes a traveling troupe to perform a piece for the King and Queen that mimics the circumstances surrounding his father's murder in order to provoke a guilt-ridden response from Claudius, and his relative outrage provides sufficient enough proof for Hamlet to decide to continue with his plans to kill him. But, there are further bloody twists ahead, and by the end, there will be few left standing in the wake of the events that transpire.

As the center of attention, Jim Butz gives an excellent performance as Hamlet, and carries the show forward with his enthusiastic portrayal. There is a madness in his method to be sure, but he brings an intensity and focused energy to the role that keeps him resolute in his determination to see justice served, no matter what the cost may be. His Hamlet isn't still and withdrawn, but emboldened with a vibrancy and sense of purpose that just makes his ultimate fate seem all the more tragic.

Considerable support is provided by a talented cast that includes: John Rensenhouse as the despicable Claudius; Kimiye Corwin as the confused and heartbroken Ophelia; Jason Cannon as Hamlet's friend and sympathizer, Horatio; Deanne Lorette as his duplicitous mother, Gertrude; Anderson Matthews as the sneaky Polonius; Rob Krakovski as the creepy, ghostly visage of the dead King; and Aaron Orion Baker as the very fortunate Fortinbras.

Bruce Longworth directs with a sure hand, skillfully guiding the actors through the familiar machinations of Shakespeare's plot, while keeping the action engaging and lively. He's aided by Jim Burwinkel's functional multi-level set, as well as John Wylie's moody and atmospheric lighting, and Robin Weatherall's original compositions and sound effects. Dorothy Marshall Englis contributes period perfect costumes, and Paul Dennhardt's neatly choreographs the swordplay.

Shakespeare Festival St.Louis has put together an exceptional production of Hamlet (running through June 20, 2010), that's definitely worthy of your attention.

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