**** Recommended **** I always have high expectations when I go to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and they always meet or exceed them. Their latest production, “Hamlet” is no exception. I like my Shakespeare stripped down, so I can concentrate on the words, and Barbara Gaines has delivered exactly that. This “Hamlet” has modern dress and minimal scenery, drawing attention directly to the characters. Although I wish Hamlet had been a bit kinder to Ophelia, and that she’d had a little more backbone, they were real people dealing with real emotions – grief and anger and disbelief – and doing the best they could. 4 Spotlights
“Hamlet” runs through June 9th in the Courtyard Theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Parking is available at a 40% discount in the Navy Pier Garages with validation from CST. Running time is 2 hours, 45 minutes, with an intermission.
Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm (except May 7th and June 4th); Wednesdays at 1:00 and 7:30 pm; Thursdays at 7:30 pm (additional performance Thursday, June 6th at 1:00 pm); Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm (with extra performances May 5th and June 7th at 6:30 pm).
Accessible performances: Open-captioning – Thursday, June 6th at 1:00 & 7:30 pm; Audio-description – Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 pm, with optional touch tour at 12:00 pm; ASL Duo-interpretation – Friday, May 31st at 7:30 pm.
Tickets range from $48-$88. FYI (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com.
Read Carol Moore’s reviews at www.spotlightonlake.com
