Romeo and Juliet

REVIEW:  Innovatively illustrating rage and star crossed love, Boston Ballet closes its season with Jean-Christophe Maillot’s moving ‘Roméo et Juliette’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Rage, passion, confrontation, betrayal, longing, death and young love are just a few of the compelling elements of this classic Shakespearean love story that has fascinated generations.

Having made its world premiere almost 30 years ago and set in Verona, The Boston Ballet evokes playfulness, blossoming love, visceral rage and shattering tragedy into Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette step by step while delivering new insight to this star-crossed tale. 

Sangmin Lee and Seo Hye Han in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photos by Gabriel Lorena

With captivating staging by Noelani Pantastico, evocatively choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot and embellished by Sergei Prokofiev’s lush, triumphant and striking rhythms, Boston Ballet concludes its current season with Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette live and in person at Citizens Opera House in Boston, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 8.  This powerful production runs 2 hours and 15 minutes including a 20-minute intermission.  It may be helpful to read the summary inside the program for deeper insight into this aesthetic tale.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Cinematic elements in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s ‘Roméo et Juliette’ with conductor Mischa Santora and orchestra Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Dominique Drillot infuses contemporary cinematic elements into this production through a translucent and multitasking hazy screen which unveils the production’s opening credits featuring a cast of characters alongside a white building symbolizing the Montague and Capulet Houses. Drillot’s meticulous lighting ranges from isolated streams to haunting fragments in foreboding and suspenseful tones. 

Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette is brought to life with pristine white sliding backdrops and a transforming corridor by scenic and costume designer Ernest Pignon-Ernest makes way for the bold, flowing and Italian Renaissance-inspired costumes in velvets, silks, gold lame and sophisticated masks with a contemporary edge.   

Sangmin Lee, Seo Hye Han Patrick Yocum and cast in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

This well paced production runs the gamut of emotions right from the start immediately illustrating both conflict and love in every form including naïve, unscathed, willful, endless and true love delivered by Seo Hye Han as Juliette and Sangmin Lee as Roméo .  Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette focuses on two clans at war between the Capulets and the Montagues.  When Sangmin Lee as Roméo Montague sets his eyes on Seo Hye Han as Juliet Capulet, it is love at first sight.  Then things take an unforeseen turn.

Sangmin Lee and Seo Hye Han in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

Having seen Shakespeare done in various capacities, this ballet interpretation of this dramatic tale is raw, playful and at times spellbinding.  One does not have to be a Shakespeare fan or know Shakespeare to comprehend this production’s nuanced interpretation.  It depicts playful camaraderie within the Montague clan through improvisation and sweeping movements as well as the turmoil, tension, and sheer rage between houses through fight choreography led by Capulet leader Lasha Khozashvili as threatening and tempestuous Tybalt.  Khozashvili is an imposing, mocking and antagonizing figure whose charisma will immediately draw you in much to the dismay of Patrick Yocum in a larger role as Friar Laurence.  Huddled in a corner or slicing the air in angular and fluttering movements and faltering gestures, Friar empathetically feels the anguish and stinging torment of adolescence and uncontrolled emotions grappling with two acolytes portrayed by forceful bookends Gearóid Solan and Sam Stampleman as well as the violence just beyond his reach brewing between these two houses.

Patrick Yocum and Seo Hye Han in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

Classic and contemporary dance blend together at times delivered in freeze frame and slow motion during celebration and tense moments.  The women are strong, confident and glamorous and the men are often instigators when they are not at play. The production boasts some warm and comical moments and an underlying flirtatious tone through teasing and seemingly improvisational gestures. 

The Masked Ball in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

Viktorina Kapitonova grandiosely depicts Juliette’s life of the party mom Lady Capulet, but Lady Capulet is much more than she seems in a memorably harrowing scene taking place later in the production.   Daniel R. Durrett is another standout as Mercutio.  Durrett is teasing and playful with dark undertones as Roméo’s best friend and shares some mischievousness with Ángel García Molinero as handsome and earnest Benvolio.  

Viktorina Kapitonova as Lady Capulet in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

The playful intimacy between Han and Lee blossoms and intensifies as the production progresses.  Passionate Roméo and virtuous Juliette not only share some amorous love scenes, but genuine humor in their mutual admiration.  The way they intertwine and their mirrored movements shift as one, reflecting their delightful chemistry. The pas de deux during the innovative and iconic balcony scene is joyful and resplendent as they tumble and frolic.  When Roméo takes his hand away and Juliette takes it back, it is teasing but also illustrates an irresistible force bringing them together. 

Alexis Workowski and Seo Hye Han in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

In layered garments, Alexis Workowski gives a compassionate performance as Nurse who shares such a lovely and impish rapport with Seo Hye Han’s Juliette.  Workowski is protective and more maternal than Juliette’s own mother and it is moving to witness her unwavering belief in Roméo and Juliette’s love despite their names and backgrounds.  It is a belief that could prevent a lot of suffering onstage and off.

Seo Hye Han in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette Photo by Gabriel Lorena

Featuring a spirited and charismatic cast, parting is such sweet sorrow as Boston Ballet presents Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette in three acts live and in person through Sunday, June 8 at Citizens Opera House in Boston, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  American Repertory Theater brings new dimensions to Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Nowhere else but Fair Verona is love and hate so swift and immediate than in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

American Repertory Theater reveals love, rage, loyalty, and passion in an ominous production that integrates a number of Shakespeare’s signature elements.  Director Diane Paulus remarkably illustrates ‘what could have been’ in a haunting sequence of the best laid plans and Emilia Suárez as Juliet is not only beautiful, naïve and headstrong, but depicted in a heightened and more thought provoking manner while adding new dimensions to this classic star crossed love story. 

Directed meaningfully by Diane Paulus and captivating choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui with raw and memorable fight choreography by Thomas Schall, American Repertory Theater kicks off its 45th season with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet continuing live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 6.  The production is two hours and 45 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet delves into the war between feuding families the Montagues and Capulets.  However, when Rudy Pankow as Romeo Montague sets his eyes on Emilia Suárez as Juliet Capulet, their worlds are forever changed.

Emilia Suárez (Juliet) and Rudy Pankow (Romeo) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

The war between the Capulet and the Montague families take center stage from the production’s first scene and the hate proves as instantaneous as Romeo and Juliet falling in love at first sight – unreasonable, unbridled, and unyielding. Tensions rise and escalate quickly as both clans face off over a gesture on the street.   Amy Rubin’s grand wooden and transformative set pieces which includes a tower that billows smoke, reflects the weighty love and rage contained in these characters who occasionally labor to shift these symbolic set pieces during the production.

Jen Schriever’s dynamic lighting fuels a beautifully contemporary Capulet masquerade with luminous orbs, hazy spotlights and special effects alongside Daniel Lundberg’s mix of foreboding, ethereal and pulsing sound design, but truly shines later in a harrowing display of chilling shadows. 

Rudy Pankow (Romeo) and Terrence Mann (Friar Laurence) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Romeo and Juliet features a strong and compelling cast highlighted by Terrence Mann as herbalist Friar Laurence.  In tattoos and pulled back hair, Terrence Mann boasts a meaty and enhanced role including part narrator and providing some musical accompaniment on a ukulele.  With sharp dramatic and comic timing, Mann as Friar is stoic, sensible and is humorous in his understandable exasperation and weariness reflecting some the audience’s thoughts as he aspires to advise impulsive Romeo and Juliet.

Emilia Suárez as young and love struck Juliet is riveting from her first meeting with passionate and insistent Romeo and later as she agonizes over the excruciating decisions in front of her, almost losing herself in what feels like an Ophelia-like moment during a scene with Sharon Catherine Brown as Juliet’s compassionate and supportive Nurse.  It is chilling, brilliant and adds another dimension to this complex character.    

Sharon Catherine Brown (Nurse) and Emilia Suárez (Juliet) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

Emilio Sosa’s detailed costume design varies from fishnets, ripped jeans and leather to stately and glittering formalwear.  Brown has an enviable wardrobe in floral multicolor dresses and jackets right down to her fabulous boots.  With a glowing smile, Brown shares a protective and sweet rapport with Juliet and while the Nurse is sometimes depicted with a more maternal instinct than Juliet’s mother, it is not necessarily the case here.  Glamorous Nicole Villamil as Lady Capulet may be preoccupied by social matters at times and aware of her limited power as a wife, but has a heartfelt affection for Juliet and wants what is best for her.  Mann and Brown also share a memorably amusing scene together, demonstrating they may be the only rational characters in this tale. 

Terence Archie is dignified and confident as Lord Capulet, even during a moment where he knocks on a wooden set piece.  Archie’s clever turn of Shakespeare’s lines feel contemporary and relatable as Juliet’s father especially in a powerful scene with Juliet later in the production. 

Clay Singer (Mercutio), Rudy Pankow (Romeo), and Brandon Dial (Benvolio) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

From a Hawaiian shirt and sneakers to a multicolored cardigan, Clay Singer’s Mercutio is a teasing, raunchy and saucy presence and may keep you guessing whether Singer is flirting or fighting with the other characters.  Singer plays the darker undertones and unpredictability of this pivotal character with playful yet protective gallantry and shares some mischievous antics with Brandon Dial as warm hearted and earnest Benvolio.  In a black fishnet shirt and leather, Alex Ross as tumultuous Tybalt is a disquieting and menacing force onstage escalating in a gripping scene with Singer, Pankow, and Dial.

Though the production is a bit lengthy, American Repertory Theater delivers an enhanced tale that adds new dimensions to these classic characters which culminate in a unique and insightful epilogue demonstrating that hope rises even in the bleakest of times.   

Rudy Pankow (Romeo) and Emilia Suárez (Juliet) in A.R.T.’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Nile Scott Studios and Maggie Hall

American Repertory Theater presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet live and in person at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts through October 6.  The production is two hours and 45 minutes including one intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW:  Actors’ Shakespeare Project lights up an inspired ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

Rage, passion, betrayal, desperation and what might have been.  Such is the language of Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s faithful yet contemporary take on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet and it is all the better for it.

With visionary direction by Marianna Bassham, Actors’ Shakespeare Project is concluding its current season with Romeo and Juliet live and in person through Sunday, June 2 at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts.  This lively production runs 2 hours and 20 minutes including a 15 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

Evan Taylor as Romeo and Chloe McFarlane as Juliet in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Courtesy of Maggie Hall Photography

Set in Verona, scenic designer Saskia Martinez’s eye-popping set layered in textured bursting fuchsia with Deb Sullivan’s vibrant and symbolic lighting and a suspenseful, foreboding and electronic-infused score create a unique and edgy vibe as the beige hooded Capulets and black hooded Montagues roam the stage.  Heart shaped sunglasses, sneakers, and combat boots are just a few of the highlights of Lisa Coleman’s modern costume design.   

Nothing less is appropriate for this expressive and engaging cast that is more than well versed in the material.  Having seen Shakespeare done in various capacities, this particular cast brings an elevated meaning to Shakespeare’s work and one does not have to be a Shakespeare fan or know Shakespeare to comprehend this production’s brilliant interpretation.  This show reveals no weapons and it is certainly not necessary for the clarity presented onstage.  The well paced production depicts the playful camaraderie within the Montague clan as well as the turmoil, tension, and sheer rage between houses led by Capulet leader Sandra Seone-Seri as threatening and tempestuous Tybalt.

Christopher V. Edwards and Esme Allen in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

This is also no contemporary reboot of this classic production though a self glow ring light is humorously used by Esme Allen who portrays Juliet’s delightfully materialistic cool mom Lady Capulet.  Christopher V. Edwards delivers a commanding performance as Juliet’s father Lord Capulet especially in a pivotal scene later in the production.  In black nail polish, Michael Broadhurst as Mercutio is a life of the party wild card.  Broadhurst is teasing and playful with dark undertones as Romeo’s best friend and shares some mischievous antics with Nicolas Zuluaga as handsome and earnest Benvolio.

Michael Broadhurst, Evan Taylor, and Nicolas Zuluaga in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Jesse Hinson performs double duty as the Apothecary seamlessly while delivering an epic and foreboding sound design in real time onstage using a sound board and a lone reverberating electric guitar. 

However, what this production does best at is love in every form including naïve, unscathed, willful, endless and true love delivered by Chloe McFarlane as Juliet and Evan Taylor as Romeo. 

Partially narrated by Jules Talbot who takes on a number or roles during the production, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet focuses on two clans at war between the Capulets and the Montagues.  When Evan Taylor as Romeo Montague sets his eyes on Chloe McFarlane as Juliet Capulet, it is love at first sight.  Then things get complicated.

Fernando Barbosa and Chloe McFarlane in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

The electricity between McFarlane and Taylor only intensifies as the production progresses.  Passionate Romeo and virtuous Juliet not only share some tender love scenes, but genuine humor in their mutual admiration.  Paula Plum delivers a wondrous and compassionate performance as Nurse who shares such a lovely rapport with McFarlane as Juliet.  Plum’s Nurse is protective and more maternal than Juliet’s own mother and it is moving to witness her unwavering belief that Romeo and Julie’s love goes far beyond names.  It is a belief that could prevent a lot of suffering onstage and off.

Chloe McFarlane and Paula Plum in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Photo by Maggie Hall Photography

Parting is such sweet sorrow so see Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s Romeo and Juliet live and in person through Sunday, June 2 at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts.  This compelling production runs 2 hours and 15 minutes including a 20 minute intermission.  Click here for more information and for tickets.

REVIEW: Currently on tour, Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight: Live’ delivered a stylish farewell to the Skating Club of Boston

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

The memories certainly flow after a century.

Ice Dance International’s Executive Artistic Director and choreographer Douglas Webster reflected wistfully as he introduced what was likely Ice Dance International’s final performance on The Skating Club of Boston’s ice rink on Saturday, February 29.  With a 100-year reputation of bringing everything from amateur to Olympic skaters to the ice, The Skating Club of Boston has been sold and will move to a much larger facility in Norwood, Massachusetts.  During the week of Ice Dance International’s historic performance in Boston,  WGBH’s Open Studios’ star Jared Bowen interviewed Ice Dance International’s exemplary ice dancers at WGBH and took to the ice with them for a stunt or two.

01 -- IDI Tour Cast Photo David J Murray

ICE DANCE INTERNATIONAL “IN FLIGHT: LIVE” TOUR 2020 FULL Cast Front Row: Laura Seal, Klabera Komini, Lara Shelton, Douglas Webster, Alissa Czisny, Kseniya Ponomaryova; Back Row: Ian Lorello, Neill Shelton, Rohene Ward, Collin Brubaker Not pictured: Adam Kaplan Photo credit to David J. Murray, ClearEyePhoto.com

Ranging from searing romance to lighthearted fun to big band to catching the wind, Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight:  Live’ gave The Skating Club of Boston a proper send off with a sold out show at 1240 Soldiers Field Road in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Ice Dance International, who holds residence at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, Massachusetts, is currently on a national tour through April 4.    Click here for more information and tickets.

06.1 Till The End PHOTO Daphne Backman

Neill Shelton and Kseniya Ponomaryova in ‘Till the End’ Choreographed by Douglas Webster

Ice Dancing is not competitive skating, but a unique artistic journey on ice.  Not only did ‘In Flight’ feature captivating and extraordinary ice dancers that delivered more than their share of eye-popping stunts, but what was most impressive was how different each dance was from the other.  Featuring dynamic choreography from Douglas Webster, Trey McIntyre, Stephanee Grosscup, and Benoit Richaud, Ice Dance International delivered a wide range of music from classical to contemporary including pop, hip hop, and ballads evoking stories of heartache, excitement, humor, and passion.

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Just a few of the highlights included a stirring couples skate from Collin Brubaker and Kseniya Ponomaryova called ‘Till the End’ to the haunting ballad, Kissing You by Des’ree.  A passionate and bittersweet performance, the pair seemed to float upon the ice as Collin dipped, spun, and lifted Kseniya. They joined together as one before he must let go.  Another elegant performance was delivered by Klabera Komini and Neill Shelton called ‘In Space’ choreographed by Douglas Webster with music by Tom Yorke called Suspirium.   To a luminous, piano-infused melody with a deeper meaning, the dancers skillfully glided together connected only by a sheer purple scarf.

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Alissa Czisny and Rohene Ward delivered beautiful solo performances.  Rohene was charming and humorous in a beard and suspenders in ‘Wind Dancer’ choreographed by Stephanee Grosscup while Alissa was a vision in blue skillfully keeping a precise, quick pace to Yo-Yo Ma’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major in ‘Primavera.’

Some lighter moments included a group skate with Collin Brubaker, Adam Kaplan, Ian Lorello, Laura Seal, and Lara Shelton to Ben Kweller and Parsonfield’s  How It Should Be.  In a dance appropriately called ‘A Blade of Sunshine,’ what looked like a freestyle, fun loving group skate in bright, rich colors culminated into a jaw dropping moment as one dancer dove underneath and through the group of moving dancers and landed on his feet.  It’s only one example of the sensational stunts witnessed throughout the evening from daring lifts to high speed spins to impossible twists and turns.

Ice Dance International’s ‘In Flight:  Live’ continues its 2020 national tour through Saturday, April 4, concluding in Aspen, Colorado.  Click here for more information and tickets.  For upcoming events and more, follow Ice Dance International on Facebook.

REVIEW: Theatre@First delivers a compelling and haunting ‘Hamlet’

Posted on by The Sleepless Critic

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, William Shakespeare’s work has garnered the most screen adaptations of any author in history in any language.  Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet boasts the most screen adaptations, but it’s hard to imagine Hamlet being far behind.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet has taken the stage and screen by storm from looser adaptations such as Disney’s stunning The Lion King in musical, animated, and live action form to Shakespeare on the Common to several films starring everyone from Laurence Olivier to Mel Gibson to Benedict Cumberbatch.  Why?  It’s a thrilling classic tale beloved by many about love, betrayal, and retribution with a haunting twist.

Theatre@FIrst Hamlet cast Johanna Bobrow

The cast of Theatre@First’s ‘Hamlet’ Photo courtesy of Johanna Bobrow/Theatre@First

Directed purposefully by Elizabeth Hunter, Theatre@First continues Shakespeare’s Hamlet through Saturday, November 23 at Unity Somerville in Somerville, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Not a bad seat in the house as the audience gathered in Unity Somerville’s church basement for Theatre@First’s Hamlet.  The show is an immersive experience as the production expands beyond the stage and cast members can enter from anywhere in the venue.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is about a Prince of Denmark who discovers his mother has married his uncle after his father has been murdered.  An urgent message inspires Hamlet to believe “something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”

Theatre@First’s Hamlet is a stylish, compelling drama that boasts some iridescent and impressive special effects as a translucent figure paces from a mysterious location.  It is not revealed which actor portrays that particular figure, but his moving and affecting presence is a highlight of the production.

Theatre@First Hamlet Laertes Nathan Phillip Andrew Harrington as Polonius and Evelyne Cardella Ophelia Johanna Bobrow

Clowning…. Nathan Phillip Johnson as Laertes, Andrew Harrington as Polonius and Evelyne Cardella as Ophelia Photo courtesy of Johanna Bobrow/Theatre@First

The show also blends the contemporary with the historical through its more casual tone and costume choices while Shakespeare’s alluring text and action sequences remain the same.  Carolyn Jones’s and Katie Caroll’s costume design nods to the late Middle Ages setting in Elsinore, Denmark while also boasting a contemporary flair.  For example, Hatem Adell portrays Hamlet wearing stone washed jeans and a crown on his t-shirt while Gertrude, depicted by Ron Lacey, wears a gown more faithful to the historical time period.  Makeup artists Meg Boeni, Mack Caroll, and their assistants did an extraordinary job transforming the cast into their respective roles.

Hamlet features a capable cast that occasionally engages the audience.  The dialogue can be a bit rushed at times in its conversational tone which lessens the gravitas of Shakespeare’s eloquent text.  Andrew Harrington is an unforgettable presence as Polonius.  Wearing a beard and a bow tie, Harrington has natural comic timing with a distinctive voice and lighthearted demeanor.  A bit of a scene stealer, he humorously engages the audience with his offhanded and frank observations while offering wisdom and insight to his children.

Theatre@First Hamlet Hatem Adell and Evelyne Cardella Ophelia Johanna Bobrow

Evelyne Cardella as Ophelia and Hatem Adell as Hamlet Photo courtesy of Johanna Bobrow/Theatre@First

Evelyn Cardella glows as Ophelia with a wide smile, bright eyed virtue, and complete infatuation with Hamlet.  Playful and charming, Cardella has a sweet chemistry with Nathan Phillip Johnson as her brother, Laertes and Andrew Harrington as their warm and wise father, Polonius.  Cardella navigates the character with vulnerability and heartfelt poignancy as her emotions turn on a dime.

Theatre@First Hamlet Nathan Philip Johnson as Laertes and Myra Hope Eskridge as Claudius Johanna Bobrow

Nathan Phillip Johnson as Laertes and Myra Hope Eskridge as Claudius Photo courtesy of Johanna Bobrow/Theatre@First

Hatem Adell certainly has exacted the alarming rage expected of Hamlet in the face of betrayal.  Adell delivers the famous “To Be or Not to Be” soliloquy with finesse.  He also excels at Hamlet’s darkly playful demeanor, especially in a powerful scene alone with Ophelia.  Nathan Phillip Johnson also gives a memorable performance as valiant and forthright Laertes, infusing a natural charisma in each scene.

Myra Hope Eskridge as Claudius delivers a suave poker face, but lacks the devious nature expected of the character.  Claudius is a calculating character and leaves little room for sympathy.  A brief exchange with Laertes later in the production showed just a glimpse of Claudius’s true nature.

Hamlet is not complete without the appearance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, portrayed with fresh humor by Chantelle Marshall and Julia Kennedy respectively.  They make a seeming pair of jolly, dimwitted bookends as Hamlet’s childhood friends, dressed identically and interchangeably.  However, they are more than meets the eye.

Theatre@First Hamlet Hatem Adell Rosencrantz Chantelle Marshall and Guildenstern Julia Kennedy Johanna Bobrow

Hatem Adell as Hamlet joined by Chantelle Marshall as Rosencrantz and Julia Kennedy as Guildenstern Photo courtesy of Johanna Bobrow/Theatre@First

Get thee to Theatre@First’s final performances of Hamlet through Saturday, November 23 at Unity Somerville, 6 William Street in Somerville, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information, tickets, and how to support Theatre@First.