Marin Shakespeare’s annual summer festival begins with Hamlet running now through July 16 at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University in San Rafael. Director Jon Tracy’s brilliant adaptation moves the story from the year 1600 to the present. Lovely contemporary costumes (Miyuki Bierlein, Luisa Frasconi), interesting scenery (Nina Ball) and modern props (Joy Gonzales) all complement Shakespeare’s timeless dialogue.
As the play begins, Lady Zen (as the Clown King) shines with a powerful song that almost stopped the strong winds blowing through Forest Meadows on opening weekend. Yes, the wind blew fiercely on the audience and outdoor stage occasionally muffling the sound coming from the actors, but their fine talent made it all worthwhile.
Written around 1600, the story revolves around Denmark’s young Prince Hamlet (Nick Musleh) who is visited by his late father’s ghost. The Ghost of King Hamlet says he was murdered by his brother Claudius (Michael Torres) and wants revenge. Claudius (also Hamlet’s uncle) has become King of Denmark and is now married to Hamlet’s mother Gertrude (Bridgette Loriaux). With help from his friends Horatio and Guildenstern (both played by Stevie DeMott), Rosencrantz (Rinabeth Apostol), the beautiful Ophelia (désirée freda) and her father Polonius (Richard Pallaziol), Hamlet seeks the truth but only finds madness and tragedy.
Kudos to Producer Lesley Currier for keeping Shakespeare alive and offering Marin a fantastic summer theater experience year after year.
Co-written by Lori Wood