Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at What Dreams May Co Theatre's HAMLET

From the producers of last season's smash hit Othello, What Dreams May Co. Theatre Company explodes into the 2013 Season with a dark and gritty modern reimagining of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Get a sneak peek of the cast below!

The geometrically inspired set incorporates sharp angular set pieces and makes use of an enclosed stage space with nine rectangular exits and entrances; creating a visceral, cerebral, design that pulls the audience into the world of the play and into the inner mind of each character. Director and Producer Nicole Schalmo's backdrop of a modern dystopian monarchy immerses the audience in the political intrigues of Claudius and Gertrude, haunts us with Ophelia's heartbreak and Laertes' rage, and brings us to the heart and soul of Hamlet's quest for answers, justice, and vengeance.

A founder of the company, Ms. Schalmo has been seen onstage as often as she is behind the director's table. Her directing credits include WDMC's Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream (where she also performed as Titania/Hypolita), Adelphi's The Day They Shot John Lennon and Electric Roses. She was recently seen onstage as Emiliain last season's production of Othello. Co-Founder Christina Sheehan brings years of classical stage and Shakespearean dramaturgical experience to her portrayal of Ophelia. Ms. Sheehan was recently seen in the Queens Players staged reading of Double Falsehood and broke hearts last season as Cassio in the What Dreams May Co. production of Othello. Other noteworthy performances include: Juliet in WDMC's Romeo and Juliet, Hermia in WDMC's Midsummer, Ariel in Garden Shakespeare's Tempest, and The Leader of the Furies in ATA's The Eumenides. Playing the title role is Jonathan Emerson. No stranger to the classics Mr. Emerson received critical acclaim for his performance as Feste in the Queens Players production of Twelfth Night (See Review), Puck in the Queens Shakespeare production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (See Review), and as the Dauphin in George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan (See Review).

This fast paced, high stakes production of what many consider to be Shakespeare's finest work will keep audiences on the edge of their seats as we explore the dark side of power, the pain of betrayal, and the fire that burns within the depths of the human soul.

Featuring: Nathan Beagle, Alan Brinks, Neil Brown, Jonathan Emerson, Megan Heinrich, Steven Martin, Vince Reese, Michael Renna, Debra Lynn Rico, Monique Sanchez, Christina Sheehan, Jason Spina,

What Dreams May Co. is dedicated to making the classics accessible to all. Simple, minimalistic productions leave the focus on the language and characters, challenging the actors in the company to reach new levels and expand their knowledge of the classics. Passionate performances delve to the heart of the text, bringing the story to life in a way that connects with and immerses modern audiences. After all, "What dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause." With our productions, we hope every person has a chance to experience that moment to pause, be touched by the beauty of the language, and carry that experience with them into the world.

Performances of Hamlet are May 24th @ 8pm, May 25^th @ 3PM and 8PM, May 31^st @ 8PM, and June 1^st @ 3PM and 8PM at The 133^RD St Arts Center, 308 W 133RD St., NY, NY 10027. Tickets are $18. To purchase tickets, visit (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/370199) or call 1-800-838-3006. For more information on the production, visit www.facebook.com/#!/whatdreamsmayco?fref=ts.

Cast of HAMLET

Cast of HAMLET

Cast of HAMLET