“Hamlet” A Major Triumph for Reduxion Theatre
Wow! Reduxion Theatre presents an inspired “Hamlet” for Oklahoma City patrons. Under the expert direction of Erin Woods, seven cast members portray twenty-four characters superbly. William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” takes place in Denmark and Woods has placed the time period in 1938. The demeanor of the cast reflects the Elizabethan Era and the minimalist set denotes the stark contrasts of pre-war Europe.
Kyle Gossett, Music Director and Composer, accompanies the action and transitions on piano. The score is very nice and serves to enhance the action. Costume Designer, Jessa Raye Court, with assistance from Susan Tetreault, dresses the actors ideally for the mood, allowing them to mesh with the characters perfectly.
The role of Hamlet is superbly performed by Tyler Woods. Woods interpretation is in many ways subtle as Hamlet descends into madness. His pain is obvious yet his lunacy is shocking. Woods is an outstanding Hamlet and should receive the highest acclaim for his work.
Robert Shaun Kilburn portrays both King Claudius and the ghost of Hamlet’s father, the old king Hamlet. Costumes are similar, faces are identical and the royal presence is profound in both characters. Yet the differences are clear and the audience has no trouble distinguishing between them. Kilburn’s movement establishes the difference concisely. The contribution of Clint Vrazel as Movement Coach is obviously a factor, and Kilburn uses this asset to advantage.
Sam Bearer is Stage Manager and plays seven, yes seven!, different roles differently. Costume variation, musical accompaniment and lighting help define the specific personalities, but once again, Bearer has the advantage of a movement coach with Vrazel. From Polonius to the Gravedigger, from the Captain to Francisco, from Osric to the Priest or the Player Villain, Bearer captures each individual securely.
Rob Gallavan plays four characters and once again each role is achieved with clarity and sensitivity. Gallavan is magnificent as Laertes, excellent as Guildenstern, believable as the Player Queen and exceptional as Marcellus. Gallavan is a good actor.
Lindsey Ruta has five roles. Her Ophelia is wonderful and her madness is almost soothing as one understands what Ophelia has experienced. Her Rosencrantz is wonderful, and Bernardo, Cornelius and Fortinbras are all incredibly unique.
Horatio, Voltemand, and the Player King are the roles taken by Leavell Javon Johnson. Again each individual has clarity and integrity. Johnson’s seamless performance create a crucial flow in the progression of the show.
Angie Duke as Queen Gertrude is also outstanding. Although her costume is initially worrisome, her performance overcomes the insecurity. She is, in fact, illuminating in spite of the fact that she is not quite playing with a full deck. However, her portrayal of a Player is appropriately and fortunately a bit dimmer.
As the play concludes the inevitable eruption occurs. Swordplay must be handled convincingly. And so it is. Fight Choreographer, Matthew Ellis makes it so. Woods and Gallavan are precise, flamboyant and controlled.
This production of “Hamlet” is not a show one should assume one knows. This “Hamlet” is tragic and interesting. This “Hamlet” gives to modern audiences the “Hamlet” Shakespeare wrote. It is nice to see it as if we’d never seen or read it before.
The Reduxion Theatre Company shows “Hamlet” through November 19 at the Broadway Theater located at 1613 N. Broadway Avenue in Oklahoma City. For tickets call 405-651-3191.
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I certainly liked this show!