Photo Source: Zombie Joe
With a sure hand, Denise Devin directs a 12-person cast in a fast and furious rendition of this classic tale, creatively staged in the theater's black shoebox of a performance space. Beginning with the investigation of a very specific ghost story—was that really Hamlet's dead dad, friends?—we're headed in the right direction. The simple specter is a floating horror; as the ghost, Jonica Patella's demands of revenge from the afterlife turn Goldstein's prince into a paralyzed infant, then off we go. The actor handles the complexity of this character beautifully at every level, no mean feat in a production of any size.
Sarah Fairfax's Gertrude is a cozy complement to her overwrought son, whether cuddling up to her new husband and former brother-in-law, Claudius (Vsev)—yes, he who killed Hamlet's father—or pushing the moody prince into the arms of his girl, Ophelia. In a fresh move, Maya Erskine gives Ophelia a spine and sensuality, and she's a wonderful match for Goldstein; we feel the loss of this doomed relationship, and her mad scene is tragic indeed. The regularly terrific Patella gives more standout performances as the player king and the gravedigger. While Frank Leone struggles as Ophelia's brother, Laertes, the final sword fight is effective and just bloody enough: Kudos to fight choreographer Douglas Johnson. Completing the cast are an entertaining Vanessa Cate and John Hope in numerous roles, Leif La Duke as Polonius, Philip Rodriguez as Horatio, and Sean Spencer and Natalie Winters doing duty as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
Granted, the performances here are somewhat uneven. But what some members of the group lack in technique they make up for in passion and an understanding of director Devin's clear vision. As a certain prince once said, "The readiness is all."
Presented by and at Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. July 6–Aug. 12. Fri., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. (818) 202-4120 or www.zombiejoes.com.
