What I liked
The interpretations of Hamlet, Laertes and Ophelia are really fascinating and nuanced. I especially like what they did with Ophelia, making her more of the voice of reason rather than… well, you know how the story goes.
The acting, too, was superb and sharp all around – special kudos to Katelyn playing a Hamlet who is fantastic as… well, let’s not beat around the bush – a manipulative little bastard.
It would’ve been so easy for the script to devolve into endless references and pretentious worship to the original text, but they never get too caught up in it, using Hamlet as a basis to create something unquestionably new.
The ending was clever. As soon as the [redacted] came out, I think I verbalized an “oh SHIT!” You will too. I guarantee it.
What I didn't like
I loved what they did with these characters so much that an hour didn’t feel like nearly enough time with them! MOAR. I DEMAND MOAR.
There were several moments in the show where the lights would change and there would be a sort of repetition of what had just happened. It’s difficult to explain, but when you see the show you’ll know exactly what parts I mean. I thought these bits were really cool ways to more deeply explore a moment, but I wish they were utilized for more than one-off explorations, that they tied the show together more somehow. Or maybe this did and I missed it. Could be.
My overall impression
I loved this take on three significant characters in our theatrical cannon. They’re flawed, they’re funny, they’re petty, they’re brutal, they’re heartfelt. Do yourself and favor and see a really unique spin based on the most overdone play of all time.
