June 7th to 16th 2024 Hamlet
There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Get ready for a thrilling performance of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Hamlet, presented by Syracuse Shakespeare-in-the-Park! Our production will embrace the magic of the Thornden Park Amphitheater, transforming the natural environment into the captivating world of Elsinore Castle.
Imagine the amphitheater bathed in the warm glow of sunset as the play unfolds. The permanent stage will serve as our royal court, with minimal set pieces allowing the audience to focus on the power of Shakespeare’s words and the captivating performances of our cast. We’ll utilize the existing architecture of the amphitheater, perhaps dressing the back wall with flowing tapestries to suggest opulent chambers or draping the stage overhang with fabric to create a sense of foreboding for Hamlet’s descent into despair.
Cast of Hamlet
Hamlet
Basil Allen
Guildenstern/ Osric/ Messenger
Wilson Belbin
Ophelia
Sarah Bottino
Gertrude
Jacqueline DeJohn
Player Queen (2nd Player)/ 2nd Gravedigger/ English Ambassador
Julia Jaremko
Marcellus/ Prologue/ Lucianus (Villian)
Alexander Minta
Bernardo/ Player King (1st Player)/ Gentleman
Josh Mumm
Francisco/1st Gravedigger
Alyssa Otoski-Kiem
Horatio
Remony Perlman
Laertes
Miles Reding
King Claudius/Ghost
Jack Sherman
Rosencrantz/ Priest/ Norwegian Ambassador
Anna Shuff
Polonius
John Triana
Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park to Perform “Hamlet” in June and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” in August at Thornden Park’s Amphitheater
Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park announced today that it will present “Hamlet”, June 7-9/14-16 and “The Two Gentleman of Verona”, August 2-4/9-11 at Thornden Park’s amphitheater as the feature presentations of its 22nd season. Admission is free with donations accepted.
Hamlet, the story of a Danish prince looking for revenge against his uncle who has murdered Hamlet’s father is annually the world’s most produced play. “Hamlet is considered among the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language,” Dan Stevens, Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park’s producing artistic director, said.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, believed by many to be Shakespeare’s first play, “deals with the themes of friendship and infidelity, the conflict between friendship and love, and the foolish behavior of people in love,” according to Stevens.
Hamlet is being co-directed by Anne-Margaret Childress, African American Theater professor at Syracuse University, and Jay Merante, a local performer who has appeared in numerous Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park productions. The Two Gentleman of Verona is being directed by producing artistic director Stevens, marking his 12th directorial assignment for Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park.
“The two productions are a contrast in Shakespeare’s styles,” Stevens said. “Hamlet is a tragedy and the origin of hundreds of phrases, concepts, and psychological notions and The Two Gentleman of Verona is played for laughs with loads of slapstick comedy.”
Hamlet will be portrayed by veteran Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park actor Basil Allen who played the title role in the 2019 production of Richard III. WCNY radio on-air personality Bruce Paulsen will portray the Duke of Milan in The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
“In the beautiful outdoor setting of Thornden Park’s amphitheater, Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park has become both a family tradition and a great night out with friends for many over more than two decades,” said Stevens. “We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces in the audience this year.” Both plays are appropriate for teenagers and older.
Admission is free and premium tickets are available that offer a lawn chair, concession food coupon, and more. Audience members can bring their own chairs and picnics as well. Performances are 5:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 PM Sundays.
So pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and join us under the stars for an unforgettable theatrical experience! Witness Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy come alive in the heart of Thornden Park.
