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“By concentrating only on plot rather than on Hamlet’s many reflections, Pasyk gives us something like the graphic novel version of the play rather than Shakespeare’s masterpiece. Those looking for new insights into the play or into the character will have to wait for the next production to roll around.”
Read Full Review“Michael-Spencer-Davis’s first appearance in the role…is an anomaly; he’s downright hilarious as he gets in his cups, cracking up the audience in places both expected and unexpected, a master at portraying obliviousness.”
Read Full Review06/03/2022“…as Pasyk cut the play and added and melded scenes, I had to wonder what the point was if the power of the play was diminished. After all, the reason we are in the room is the play.”
Read Full Review06/09/2022” Umeh’s riveting performance is reason enough for a ticket, but Pasyk’s thoughtful direction bolsters that tour-de-force with a series of well-earned revelations. As enthralling as it is bold, this Hamlet is already a highlight of the 2022 season.”
Read Full Review06/05/2022“This production offers a grand return to the Festival Theatre and Umeh offers a performance that I suspect will be talked about for years to come. Theatre is back and it is at its finest!”
Read Full Review06/04/2022“Umeh gives a brilliantly captivating performance throughout the production comprised of equal parts vigorous, uncontrolled physicality, strangely mixed with solace and contemplation.”
Read Full Review06/03/2022“Andrea Rankin’s doe-eyed Ophelia poignantly runs the gamut of emotions when the reality of the situation hits her full on which struck my heart.”
Read Full Review06/03/2022“Abbey, Beaty and Michael Spencer-Davis as Polonius are strong anchors of an acting company featuring a number of exciting talents making their Stratford debuts, including Austin Eckert as Laertes, and Matthew Kabwe as the ghost of Hamlet’s father and an amusingly plain-spoken Gravedigger.”
Read Full Review06/03/2022“We may be witnessing in this production a passing of a Shakespearean torch. Much as Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V reduced Laurence Olivier’s to the status of a hammy period piece, Umeh’s performance speaks to a new generation.”
Read Full Review06/03/2022
