Fresno Famous

  The New Ensemble Theater Group will present “Hamlet”, William Shakespeare’s tragic tale of family revenge beginning April 13th at the Broken Leg Stage in Fresno’s Tower District. Featuring Fresno theater veteran Brooke Aiello in the title role, the production will feature an intimate, female-driven twist to the classic tale of murder and revenge.

“Hamlet”, one of Shakespeare's most performed plays, tells the harrowing story of the heir of Denmark, Hamlet, who discovers that her family and her realm is rife with betrayal and corruption.  Bent on avenging the murder of her father, Hamlet finds herself increasingly alone in a world of shadows and doubts, fighting for her sanity and her life while time rapidly runs out. 

Director Heather Parish hopes to cast a fresh light on the much-studied play by taking it out of the large-scale theater into a small, black box seating only 35 people per performance. “The world of the play is one of panic, suspicion, fear and paranoia and the intimate confines of the Broken Leg Stage will give the deep, personal drama an added resonance. And, as Hamlet is played as a woman by a woman, the prism through which the audience sees the story takes a very unique turn.”

Also featuring the talents of New Ensemble members Jaguar Bennett as Claudius, Kristin Lyn Crase as Gertrude, and James Sherrill as Laertes, with guest artists David Otero as Polonius, Gabriela Lawson as Horatio, Haley White as Ophelia and local musician Nate Butler as the Gravedigger. 

Performances are April 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2012. Evening shows begin at 8 pm, with a wine reception at 7:30 pm for those 21 years of age or older on Fridays and Saturdays. All tickets are $12 in advance (online or phone reservations) and $15 walk in. Box office opens at 7:15 pm. Tickets available at www.newensemble.com or reserve via our box office line (559) 457-9613. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

The Broken Leg Stage is located at 1470 N. Van Ness, between Floradora and Home Avenues, just south of McKinley on the right hand side.

The New Ensemble theater group is committed to dynamic, forward-thinking productions of great plays in Fresno’s Tower District. For more information, visit their website. www.newensemble.com