Shakespeare's Hamlet Opens July 29 in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Shakespeare is proud to present Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the second play in its 2016 repertory season. One of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies, Hamlet opens on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 8:00 pm in its new home, The Audrey Stanley Grove at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. Performances run through August 28, 2016.

Hamlet is directed by Paul Mullins, director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz's 2013 production of Henry V. Scenic design is by Collette Pollard, costume design is by B. Modern, composition and sound design is by Rodolfo Ortega, lighting design is by Kent Dorsey, and properties design is by Lydia Bushfield.

In this production, Shakespeare's most iconic character is not a Lord but a Lady, played by Kate Eastwood Norris.

"The decision to cast Hamlet as a woman has grown out of our gender equity policy and a conviction that it is not enough to re-imagine peripheral roles for women," says Artistic Director Mike Ryan. "We think our patrons will be intrigued with the nuances and power of a female Hamlet, and the revelation that Hamlet's journey is universal."

In addition to his role as Artistic Director, Ryan takes a role on the stage for this production, playing Hamlet's loyal friend "Horatio." Other members of the cast include Bernard K. Addison (Claudius/Ghost), Carol Halstead (Gertrude), Patty Gallagher (Polonius), Cody Nickell (Laertes), Mia Ellis (Ophelia), Mary Cavett (Rosencrantz), Katherine Ko (Guildenstern), Kyle Hester (Marcellus), Brian Smolin (Osric), and Larry Paulsen (Gravedigger/Player King).

Opening: July 29 playing through August 28
Wednesday and Thursday evening performances start at 7:30PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances start at 8:00 PM
Matinee performances start at 2:00 PM.

Online: www.santacruzshakespeare.org/tickets By Phone: 831-460-6399