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Hamlet


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William Shakespeare
October 29, 2010 - November 14, 2010

An unrequited ghost, an indecisive prince, a kingdom in chaos: something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Shakespeare’s dark tale of power, murder and vengeance is regarded by many as the most influential work ever written for the stage.

“The soliloquies of Hamlet are as deep as the soul of man can go…and as sincere as the Holy Spirit itself in their essence.” – D.H. Lawrence

See it come to life as it was meant to be experienced — on stage. 

Avery Clark as Hamlet


 
This richly complex tragedy unfolds as the young prince of Denmark swears to avenge the untimely death of his beloved father and pulls his country into a maelstrom of madness a
nd murder.

From major motion pi
ctures starring actors Laurence Olivier and Mel Gibson to a sold out Broadway production starring Jude Law, Hamlet continues to inspire actors and audiences alike 400 years after it first graced the stage.


"Avery Clark's flamboyantly physical performance of the title role makes for one of the most theatrically potent Hamlets I've seen in a good many seasons, far fresher than last year's Jude Law-powered Broadway production ..." - Wall Street Journal


WATCH NOW>

William Shakespeare's Hamlet from Arkansas Repertory Theatre on Vimeo.

"TANTALIZING...MESMERIZING"

"There's not a false moment in Clark's performance. His Hamlet is by turns cunning and obvious, oratorical and wisecracking, strategic and clumsy, fiery and tearful."

"Clark's gift of subtle facial expression can convey emotions to the farthest reaches of the Rep's auditorium with a roll of his eyes, and a feline physicality makes his every move mesmerizing."

Review: Avery Clark Is Tantalizing in the Rep's Hamlet by Karen Martin, Arkansas Business

"ELECTRIC...VIVID...THRILLING"

"It's hard to imagine another Hamlet generating as much humor - yes, genuine laughs - as Clark does."

"Clark... bravely carves jokes out of Shakespeare's knotty language that many other actors couldn't find or would let pass... Clark is so electric and vivid that every other actor improves in his presence."

"In the end, what you want from "Hamlet" is an opportunity to hear those speeches and see and feel the young prince wrestle with mortality. The Rep gives Clark a great platform and, like an athlete in his prime, he seizes the moment. It's a thrilling thing to witness."

Review: Arkansas native Clark thrills as Hamlet at the Rep by Werner Trieschman, Arkansas Times

"SUPERB...A TOUR DE FORCE..."

"...an effective mix of tragedy and comedy, thanks to the timing and skill of Avery Clark..."

"It was a tour de force and a homecoming, or at least Arkansas debut triumph, for Clark, a Fort Smith Native and University of Arkansas graduate."

Review: Hamlet cast's slow descent into madness superbly done by Jack Hill (login required), Arkansas Democrat Gazette

"THIS ACTOR, AVERY CLARK...IS REALLY GOOD."
"This actor, Avery Clark, who's playing Hamlet at the Rep, is really good."

"He's internalized the role, so the lines don't feel like lines to him, but come unbidden, rolling, tripping, bouncing off his tongue."

"He electrifies the old play, introducing an unlikely hint of danger into what ought to be a rather predictable enterprise."

Shakespeare matters because we do by Philip Martin (login required), Arkansas Democrat Gazette


WATCH WHAT PEOPLE SAID ON OPENING NIGHT         



READ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ON
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Cast

Tom Bateman ... Cornelius, Player: Lucianus, A Gentleman
Harris Berlinsky* ... Polonius
J. Center* ... Francisco, Player King, Grave Digger, Soldier
Avery Clark* ... Hamlet
Nikki Coble* ... Ophelia
Ben Gibson ... Claudius' Soldier
Angie Gilbert ... Gertrude's Assistant/Player Queen
Peter Leake* ... A Lord, A Player, Fortinbras, Fight Captain
Kenneth Lee* ... Horatio
Michael Markham ... Barnardo, Rosencrantz, A Lord
Barbara McCulloh* ... Gertrude
Colin McPhillamy* ... Ghost/Claudius
Matt Morley ... Claudius’ soldier
Joel Rainwater* ... Guildenstern, Osric
Joseph Reese ... Marcellus, A Player, A Captain, A Priest
Shannon Michael Wamser* ... Laertes

Crew

Director: Robert Hupp
Set Designer: Mike Nichols
Production Manager: Rafael Colon Castanera
Stage Manager: Tara Kelly*
Properties Designer: Lynda J. Kwallek
Composer: Ellen Mandel
Costume Designer: Margaret McKowen
Sound Designer: M. Jason Pruzin
Lighting Designer: Matthew Webb
Vocal Coach: Karen Q. Clark*
Fight Director: D.C. Wright

Additional Info

Avery Clark on Hamlet from Arkansas Repertory Theatre on Vimeo.

The Rep's Nick Leopoulos talks with Avery Clark about his upcoming role as Hamlet in Arkansas Repertory Theatre's production of Hamlet, opening Oct. 29.


ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Save $10 OFF A Seats | Save $5 OFF B Seats*

*Advance Ticket Discounts end on Opening Day and cannot be combined with any other discount. 

BUY ONLINE or call The Rep Box Office at (501) 378-0405.


 Matt Morley as Claudius’ soldier, Colin McPhillamy as Claudius, Barbara McCulloh as Gertrude and Avery Clark as Hamlet


CLINTON SCHOOL SPEAKER SERIES


"Hamlet From Page to Stage: Interpreting a Classic for a Modern Audience" 


Monday, October 11, 2010 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m

Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall


Join Producing Artistic Director Robert Hupp and cast members from The Rep's upcoming production of Shakespeare's Hamlet as they discuss how to turn classic literature into a vibrant, accessible production for today's audience. Panelists will take you behind the scenes as they address the play's themes and how actors prepare to tackle some of the most challenging roles ever written for the stage.

Monday, October 11, 2010 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. *
Lunch & Free Lecture (Bring your own lunch. Drinks provided.)
Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall


 *Reserve your seat by emailing
publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or calling (501) 683-5239. Space is limited.

Nikki Coble as Ophelia and Avery Clark as Hamlet




 
PREVIEW PERFORMANCES

 

"Pay What You Can Night"
Wednesday, October 27 | 7 p.m.

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette presents The Rep’s “Pay What You Can Night." Patrons can pay any amount they wish for their ticket. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office at 601 Main Street the day of the performance. The Box Office will be open from 9 a.m. until curtain. Tickets are limited to (2) two per person. Offer is based on seating availability. No SRO tickets will be issued.

Wednesday, October 27 | 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 28 | 7 p.m.
Previews are Wednesday and Thursday nights before opening, and include a pre-show discussion at 6:15 in the Theatre with
Hamlet Director and Rep Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp.


OPENING NIGHT

Friday, October 29 | 8 p.m.

Opening Night for Hamlet will include a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra Quartet, Fourte in the lobby at 7:15 p.m., with additional performances throughout the run of Hamlet.


Rachel Herman, Violin
Kristen Bomberger, Violin
Kristen O’Connell, Viola
Michael Warrick, Cello


                                                        Shannon Michael Wamser as Laetres and Avery Clark as Hamlet

Opening Night will also include a post-show reception with the cast immediately following the show. Complimentary champagne and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided.

                                                      

PERFORMANCE RUN
October 29 - November 14, 2010

 

CURTAIN TIMES
Wednesday & Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Friday & Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For Teachers: Click here to download the Hamlet study guide

 

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