Source: Chelsey Eimer, 785-532-6878, cbeimer@k-state.edu
Hometown connection: Dwight, Liberal, Manhattan, Overland Park, Salina, Shawnee and Topeka, Kan.; and Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu
Thursday, April 12, 2012
To be or not to be: No question about it, Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' wraps up season for K-State theatre
MANHATTAN -- For their final production of the semester, Kansas State University theater students will perform a tale of greed, revenge, insanity, self-reflection and rage.
One of William Shakespeare's most popular and oft quoted plays, "Hamlet" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 19-21 and April 26-28, with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29. All performances will be in Nichols Theater.
Two months have passed since the death of King Hamlet, and upon his return from studying abroad, young Prince Hamlet has found that his mother has already locked herself in matrimony with his uncle, the very man who murdered his father. In this classic tragedy, Hamlet ponders the ever-daunting question, "To be or not to be?"
Tickets for "Hamlet" cost $8 to $14, with a variety of discounts available for university students, seniors and military families. They can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by calling 785-532-6428 during box office hours. Tickets also may be purchased at the Little Theatre box office in the K-State Student Union from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday or online at http://www.k-state.edu/theatre. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount rate. For more information or assistance in planning a theater party, contact Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.
Guest artist Lee Soroko, a professor at the University of Miami, is the choreographer for fight sequences portrayed in "Hamlet." Soroko spent two weeks in residence at K-State to work with the actors. He taught workshops in fight terminology, safety and various skills necessary to create realistic fights -- specifically sword fights -- for the production.
A member of the Society of American Fight Directors, Soroko is a certified teacher and advanced actor combatant. Soroko earned his master of fine arts from the Professional Actor Training Program at the University of Texas. He is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, and Actors' Equity Association.
The production features a K-State department of English faculty member in a key role. Michael Donnelly, associate professor, plays Polonius.
K-State theater faculty, artistic staff and faculty designers for the production of "Hamlet" include Charlotte MacFarland, associate professor of theater, director; Dana Pinkston, associate professor of theater, costume design; Kathy Voecks, associate professor of theater and resident scenic designer, scenic design; and John Uthoff, associate professor of theater, lighting design.
K-State students in the cast for "Hamlet" include:
Eric Dilley, senior in theater, Dwight, as Reynaldo and Guildenstern; Eric Brown, junior in political science, Liberal, as Horatio.
From Manhattan: Mathew Ellis, junior in theater and journalism and mass communications, as Osric and Francisco; Cara Hillstock, sophomore in English and theater, as Messenger, Player Five and Cornelius; Sean Matthews, senior in journalism and mass communications, as Player King and Courtier; and Ben Windholz, sophomore in communication studies, as Barnardo, Sailor and Lucianus.
Elise Poehling, freshman in theater and music, as Ophelia, and Nahshon Ruffin, senior in theater, as Rosencrantz, both from Overland Park; Joseph Boos, sophomore in theater, Salina, as Laertes; Michael Allen, freshman in theater, Shawnee, as Marcellus and Priest.
From Topeka: Dillon Artzer, master's student in theater, as Claudius; Amanda Garvey, sophomore in theater, as Queen Gertrude; Griffin Letch, senior in vocal performance, as Ghost and Gravedigger; Kyle Myers, senior in theater, as Hamlet; and Erika Williams, junior in theater, as Courtier and Player Queen.
From out of state: Alexandra Gaines, sophomore in theater, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., as Voltimand and Player Four.
