The Waynesburg University Players will present Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Wednesday, Nov. 8, through Saturday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. each evening in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center on the Waynesburg University campus.
“This production is an opportunity to see one of the greatest plays of all time on a local stage,” said Edward L. Powers, professor of theatre. “Seeing the Shakespearean characters and hearing their words, instead of merely reading them, can be an exciting opportunity.”
“Hamlet” first premiered around 1600, and is a story of family turmoil and revenge. Powers stated it is a 400-year-old story that can still relate to a present-day audience.
The story is set in Denmark, where Hamlet, who has been away to school, has learned that his father has died and that he is next in line for the crown. However, upon returning home he finds that his Uncle Claudius has assumed the throne and even married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. After a night-time encounter with the spirit of his dead father, young Hamlet learns that it was Claudius who killed the old man, which emboldens Hamlet to seek revenge.
Tickets cost $5 for the general public and $3 for Waynesburg University students. To purchase tickets, visit waynesburg.ticketleap.com/hamlet.
Available tickets will also be sold at the door.
The cast and crew include:
- Hamlet - Shawn White, senior English (creative writing) major from Amity, Pennsylvania (Trinity High School)
- King - Ronald Loebker, senior computer science major from Ripley, Ohio (Home School Clearing House)
- Queen – Sara Lesher, senior criminal justice administration major from Masontown, Pennsylvania (Albert Gallatin High School)
- Polonius – Christian Wilson, junior digital design major from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania (Jefferson-Morgan High School)
- Ophelia – Tessa Masula, junior English (secondary education) major from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Wellspring Preparatory High School)
- Laertes – Steven Caumo, junior English (creative writing) major from Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania (Chartiers-Houston High School)
- Rosencrantz/Gravedigger – Michelle Frye, senior advertising major from Carmichaels, Pennsylvania (Carmichaels High School)
- Guildenstern – Holly Hendershot, sophomore communication (journalism) major from Manheim, Pennsylvania (home schooled)
- Francisco/Osric – Rachael Crosbie, junior English (literature) major from Washington, Pennsylvania (Trinity High School)
- Ghost/Player King/Priest – Matthew Colaluca, senior environmental science major from Monaca, Pennsylvania (Central Valley High School)
- Marcellus/Player King – Edward DiOrio, freshman communication (sports broadcasting/information) major from Hunker, Pennsylvania (Hempfield High School)
- Bernardo – Cory Tretinik, freshman communication (electronic media) major from Clarksville, Pennsylvania (Jefferson-Morgan High School)
- Player Queen/Servant – Veronica Kayona, freshman criminal justice administration major from Bridgeville, Pennsylvania (South Fayette High School)
- A Maid/Sailor – Gabrielle Urschel, freshman criminal justice administration major from Ashburn, Virginia (Briar Woods High School)
- Stage Manager – Kathryn Kondrick, senior history major from Cheswick, Pennsylvania (Fox Chapel High School)
- Assistant Stage Manager – Samantha Morad, freshman English (creative writing) major from Glassboro, New Jersey (Washington Township Board of Education)
- Assistant Stage Manager - Victoria Rossignol, sophomore sociology (urban studies) major from Norridgewock, Maine (Temple Academy Christian School)
For more information, contact Powers at 724-852-3226 or epowers@waynesburg.edu.
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is one of only 21 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
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Ashley Wise, Director of University Relations
724-852-7675 or awise@waynesburg.edu
