William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet, Prince of Denmark,” presented by New York Classical Theatre and Arts World Financial Center in a sprawling production staged throughout the 3.5-acre World Financial Center. Bring cushions!
As brought forth by the New York Classical Theatre.
Performances: April 1-3, April 6–11, April 13–18
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
212-945-0505
World Financial Center, 220 Vesey Street
Audience convenes at Starbucks in the World Financial Center Courtyard
FREE – No tickets or reservations required |
The bustling World Financial Center will be transformed into Elsinore Castle next month when it hosts a free production of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare that will inhabit the sprawling venue as its set.
From April 1-18, New York Classical Theatre will perform William Shakespeare’s tragedy in their signature panoramic staging style, with the audience being drawn into Hamlet’s world as they follow the actors down staircases and around mezzanines throughout the entire World Financial Center complex. Viewers are invited to bring cushions to sit on as they watch the moody Dane brood against the luxurious marble backdrop of a modern-day castle built to celebrate the power and magnificence of New York’s financial community.
The free production is co-presented by Arts World Financial Center as part of a unique residency that will include open rehearsals throughout the venue during the month of March, with the company working among and around the thousands of people who work in and visit the World Financial Center each day.
Arts World Financial Center is the East Coast’s largest presenter of free visual and performing arts.
Described as “a moveable feast” by the New York Times, the eleven-year-old New York Classical Theatre has won acclaim for its roving productions of classical plays in Central Park and Battery Park. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark marks both the company’s first indoor venture as well as the first extended-run theatrical production for Arts World Financial Center.
The play will be directed by New York Classical Theatre’s founder and artistic director Stephen Burdman, who has received numerous accolades and awards for his staging of classical plays in non-traditional settings both in New York and Los Angeles. Hamlet will be played by Justin Blanchard, who was part of the ensemble cast of the 2007 Tony Award-winning revival of Journey's End. The production designer is Amelia Dombrowski.
The rest of the cast includes Ginny Myers Lee (Ophelia), John Michalski (Claudius), Rita Rehn (Gertrude), Ian Stuart (Polonius), Shad Ramsey (Laertes and fight choreographer), John-Patrick Driscoll (Horatio), Alexis Camins (Rosencrantz), Scott Kerns (Guildenstern), Anthony Reimer, Nick Salamone, and Clay Storseth.
“This residency is a perfect marriage of two New York institutions that have long been committed to bringing free, high-quality arts to audiences of all stripes," said Debra Simon, Artistic Director of Arts World Financial Center. "It’s also a major milestone in our ongoing mission to deepen the relationship between our community and some of the most exciting arts organizations in the city."
As part of the residency, New York Classical Theatre will transform an un-rented storefront at One New York Plaza into its production studio, where it will prepare costumes and props for its entire 2010 season. A series of public talks with the director and designers will provide the community with an inside peek behind the scenes of a large-scale theatrical production.
Shakespeare on the Run for the Summer:
Stephen Burdman, Artistic Director, will direct you in the right
direction, so you don't miss a thing. This year their productions
return to our original home in Central Park—the newly restored
gardens at 103rd Street & Central Park West. Surrounding an
enchanting lake, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the
entire Park!!!
When you enter in through Central Park West you will be led into
Central Park where the play will begin. Central Park's grounds set
the stage for this production and then the fun really begins!
As you watch the show, the next scene that is about to happen,
happens about 50 ft away, and then they are off. The whole audience
runs to where the scene is taking place! Every 5-7 minutes, so no
snoozing during this show! The play moves along using trees, rocks,
benches and even the audience as scenery!
There are no lines to wait on, no reservations to make, and no
tickets to buy! Just show up!
Lots of fun with this Shakespeare workout. Fun for the whole family.
Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers, and you can even come in on
your bike, rollerblades, scooter and even with your dog! The show
is wheelchair accessible and perfect to bring the little ones in
their strollers.
As the sun goes down, Stephen, his crew and even the fireflies
help with the lighting. Great for the family, a date, with friends,
or even alone, you'll have a great time experiencing Shakespeare
with The New York Classical Theater!
Come early and have a picnic before the show!
Thursdays through Sundays 7pm Sharp!
Great for all ages!
FREE!
www.newyorkclassical.org
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