by William Shakespeare
The Flight Theatre
(The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood 90038)
A production of The Porters of Hellsgate
Date of reviewed performance: January 9, 2010
Cast
Hamlet - Charles Pasternak
Rosencrantz - Thomas Bigley
Guildenstern - Gus Krieger
Claudius, Ghost - Jack Leahy
Gertrude - Jessica Temple
Polonius - Jamey Hecht
Laertes - Alex Parker
Ophelia - Taylor Fisher
Voltemand, Gentlewoman, Player Queen - Angele Dayer
Cornelius, Osric, 2nd Gravedigger, Sailor, Hecuba - Christina McKinnon
Horatio - Eddie Castuera
Marcellus, Priest, English Ambassador, Lucianus - Nicholas Neidorf
Barnardo, 1st Gravedigger, Norwegian Captain, Player King - Mark Nager
Francisco, Fortinbras - Kevin Kelley
1st Player - Micah Cover
The Porters of Hellsgate begin their fourth season with the ambitious pairing of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead performed in repertoire. For those unfamiliar, The Porters of Hellsgate are a young company who mount most of their productions in the Hollywood and North Hollywood area. They are an exciting company to watch grow because their earnest commitment to produce Shakespeare's work faithfully results in an ongoing education for the company as well as its audience in the most wonderfully surprising ways.
This production of Hamlet is one of the most exciting that I've seen in recent years. The staging and use of space is inspired and Thomas Bigley's direction is quite remarkable. Bigley has managed to take one of Shakespeare's most well-known plays and arrange it so that there are moments of surprise and delight even for one who has seen this play performed many, many times. This a production that moves so well and with such energy that you don't even have to be a Shakespeare fan to thoroughly enjoy the magic that happens here, and Bigley is largely to thank for that.
Another person you can thank for that is the actor in title role (and co-founder of The Porters of Hellsgate), Charles Pasternak. Pasternak does amazing work as the melancholy prince, interlacing fits of mania, method and manipulation seamlessly at break-neck speeds. His delivery of one of Shakespeare's most oft-quoted soliloquies is so full of energy and revelation it is as if no one has ever uttered those words before.
There are several other stand-out performances here as well, which is further evidence of how this company continues to grow in their craft. Jack Leahy is impressive doing double-duty as Claudius and one of the spookiest incarnations of the Ghost that I can remember. Eddie Castuera does a wonderful job as Horatio; this is an actor who gets better and better with every production and I'm excited to see what's next for him. Polonius is given a fresh and inspired re-tooling via Jamey Hecht's whimsical portrayal. The delicate Ophelia is simply lovely as played by Taylor Fisher.
One of my favorite things about this show is its costumes. Jessica Pasternak's costume design mixes modern suit pieces with Renaissance era-inspired accents and modifications. The result is the feel of period costuming while keeping the characters in them relatable and identifiable. What's even more impressive is how the pieces are mixed and matched for every character, making each costume its own unique, interesting work. The fantastic costumes hightlighed by the dramatic lighting (designed by Daniel Keck) help give this show a professional-looking polish.
If you're a Shakespeare fan, then go see this production - a wonderful treat is in store for you. If you've never been able to enjoy Shakespeare because you've found the language difficult, then go - this is a production with enough ease and energy to keep you from getting lost. This show really is a must-see. By all means, go!
Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will be alternating days (Hamlet on Thursdays and Saturdays, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern on Fridays and Sundays) through Saturday, February 13. Tickets are $20 general admission ($15 for students/seniors/AEA). Patrons purchasing tickets to both shows at once will recieve a discount. For reservations, call 951-262-3030 or contact them at portersofhellsgate@gmail.com.
Directed by Thomas Bigley
Costume Design by Jessica Pasternak
Lighting Design by Daniel Keck
Scenic Design by Thomas Bigley
Stage Management by Brian Schrock
House Management by Jessica Pasternak
Hamlet:
