Theatre & Stage reviews by SalsaChicago.com critic Al Bresloff

"Hamlet" (thru November 18)

To launch the Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 20th Anniversary Season, they have chosen Shakespeare's "Hamlet", one of the world's most famous literary works. This dark tragedy is one that almost every high school student has read and in this particular version, under the direction of Terry Hands, this masterpiece appears to be much more "understandable" for most of our ears. Many opt not to attend Shakespeare's plays saying that they find it hard to follow, but despite to "old English" language, this trimmer version is very easy to stay with. "Hamlet" is indeed one of the greatest of works and as we follow the story of a prince who has lost his father and his mother, who has just wed his uncle Claudius, who now becomes the King. Hamlet is visited by his Father's ghost and is told of how his death came to be. The Court sees Hamlet's odd behavior as part of his grief while Polonius, a Court adviser sees his actions as a symptom of lovesickness (for his daughter). Claudius plans to kill Hamlet and Hamlet plans to prove that Clausdius is indeed responsible for his father's demise.

In the end, for those of you who do not remember, being a tragedy, most of the main characters are dead, but Hamlet does win out. There are some very funny moments in this production thanks to the wonderful Mike Nussbaum as Polonius. Mr. Nussbaum is always a treat to watch on any stage in Chicago. Performing in the role of Hamlet is Ben Carlson who truly appears to be enjoying his adventures. Often he appears to be the storyteller leading us along his journey and Bob Mason has cast each role with just the right touch to make each character come alive. Bruce A. Young is a strong Claudius (also the Ghost of Hamlet's father) and Barbara Robertson is a marvelous Gertrude. James Harms, Timothy Edward Kane, Wendy Robie and Roderick Peeples (in a funny stint as a grave digger) are some of the Chicago Shakespeare regulars who are always solid.

The stark set by Mark Baily (who also did the costumes) works to perfection- very simple with black and white being the main colors. Terry Hands did his own lighting design and the music by Colin Towns adds the right tone to the production. The fight choreography by Robin H. McFarquhar works just right and all in all, I must say that this is the finest production of "Hamlet" that I have ever been fortunate enough to see.

"Hamlet" will run through November 18th at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier with performances as follows: Tuesday- Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m.

Matinees on Wednesday* at 1 p.m. and Saturdays are at 3 p.m.

Wednesdays on the following dates ONLY September 20,27/October 4th and 11th November 1st

Tickets range in price from $40 and are available at the box office, by phone at 312-595-5600 or online at www.chicagoshakes.com.

There is discounted parking at Navy Pier and Navy Pier is easy to reach via public transportation.