Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 1, 1995 TAG: 9507040022
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHERINE REED STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Roanoke Valley Shakespeare Festival in conjunction with Virginia Western Community College opened "Hamlet" Friday night, not an easy play to do well - and not an easy way to begin a local Shakespeare experiment.
The role of Hamlet has tripped up some pretty gifted performers; even Academy Award-nominated Ralph Fiennes has drawn mixed reviews for his interpretation of the verbose, tortured prince on Broadway this summer.
And Jeffrey McGullion's Hamlet is far from bad. He is a physical performer with a tight but resonant voice. His interpretation of the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy is surprisingly fresh. (I mean, even Kermit the Frog has done it.)
As Claudius, William O. Capps is good, if perhaps lacking the vague smarminess of other Claudiuses, and Barbara Johnson as Gertrude is strong. Johnson's understanding of the role gives her performance a rock-solid dramatic center.
But there are problems with shoestring-budget stagings. The ghost king must beckon mysteriously from beneath a bright red exit sign and take his leave somewhat awkwardly through the loud, clanging door beneath the sign.
Francisco appears to be dressed in a Roman costume in his first scene, right down to the sandals - a bit chilly for a Danish castle.
Some problems would be solved in the outdoors, and, of course, new problems would be created. But many local Shakespeare festivals do well with outdoor stagings and get some instant points for charm.
This "Hamlet" tries hard and has courage to spare; director Bart McGullion apparently is not easily intimidated. With a little extra effort - and some community support - "Hamlet" could be the beginning of something good.
Hamlet will be performed at Virginia Western today at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., July 8 at 8 p.m. and July 9 at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
by CNB