![[CREDIT: Cat Laine] From left, Jeff Church and Marc Pierre trade jabs in the Gamm's production of Hamlet.](https://e8dgfhu6pow.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gamm-Hamlet-9.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
Jeff Church plays the emotionally tortured Prince of Denmark, aiming for revenge against his uncle Claudius (Kelby Akin) after receiving a visit from the ghost of his dead father (Jim O’Brien).
Claudius murdered the King, stole his title, and married Hamlet’s mother Queen Gertrude. Who wouldn’t be angry about that?
Hamlet makes his friends and family believe he has gone mad as he schemes to avenge his father. In the process, he ends up turning everyone against him.
One of those hurt the most is the beautiful Ophelia, deeply in love with Hamlet.
The genius of Shakespeare’s writing is his exploration of basic human flaws, such as greed, vanity, lust, and the need for vengeance. One tragedy leads to another as a result of Hamlet’s arrogance.
“Hamlet” has been adapted for the screen several times and continues to be performed on stages all over the world. In addition, the quotes are often referenced in other entertainment. The play was first performed in 1600. That is a stunning testament to power of the language and the personalities of these characters.
Estrella, who played “Hamlet” in the Gamm’s 2011 production, has worked well with his cast and crew to create an engaging theatrical experience. The play is presented in two parts, lasting about 80 minutes each.
Church, last seen in “Twelfth Night,” brings a comically demented quality to Hamlet. Whether he is hanging upside down like a bat or leaping over tables and stair railings, Church exhibits the inner madness of a man straining to fulfill his destiny.
Hamlet’s famous monologue in Act Three, beginning with “To be or not to be…” is a knockout. Church’s delivery captures the wit in Shakespeare’s writing and helps to propel the narrative.
Nora Eschenheimer (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) is riveting as the doomed Ophelia. Her mental breakdown in the midst of unbearable loss is truly memorable.
Another Gamm veteran, Jeanine Kane, shines as Queen Gertrude. Kane’s best moments are when Gertrude is shattered by Hamlet’s revelations and his seething contempt for her marriage to Claudius.
Marc Pierre (“An Octoroon”) powerfully plays Ophelia’s brother Laertes, who seeks revenge after Hamlet accidentally slays his father Polonius.
Set designer Michael McGarty has created wooden platforms and staircases at both ends of the stage for the action.
Jeff Adelberg’s ambient lighting and Peter Sasha Hurowitz’s sound design create an atmosphere of uneasiness beginning with the play’s opening scene.
The climactic swordfight between Hamlet and Laertes is tremendously exciting and well choreographed by Normand Beauregard. Church and Pierre demonstrate the raw passion of these two men locked in a battle to the death.
There are no happy endings to be seen, or any redemption for the coldest of souls. Ghosts remain in the shadows and the blood of the guilty stains the ground for eternity.
The overriding message of “Hamlet” is the futility of revenge. Hamlet can’t seem to get over the loss of his father and that sadness is further compounded by Claudius’ and Gertrude’s indifference to his pain. This is a play where the characters give in to their darkest impulses, leaving an endless trail of destruction. It’s depressing at times but Church’s exuberance and flair for the unusual make this show a must-see.
Hamlet runs through April 27. The Gamm Theatre. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. Run time is three hours with intermission. For tickets, call 401-723-4266 or visit gammtheatre.org.
Author: Joe Siegel
Joe Siegel is a regular contributing writer for WarwickPost.com. His reporting has appeared in The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro and EDGE.
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