1601! A Comedically Tragic Hamlet Origin Story captures medieval farce by force
Courtesy Balladeer Theatre Company
TeenTix KC is an organization that helps provide KC youth with access to live stage performances. As part of that work, some up-and-coming ‘Press Corps Members’ are tackling their first reviews—building up a next generation of critical, celebratory voices. Today, we’re thrilled to share Sarah Adams’ take on Balladeer Theatre Company’s 1601! A Comedically Tragic Hamlet Origin Story. Find out more about TeenTix here.
1601! A Comedically Tragic Hamlet Origin Story is a new play written and directed by Savannah Dove. Like shows such as Noises Off! and The Play that Goes Wrong, this farce features a chaotic opening night of the first performance of Hamlet. From the lead role quitting, actors not knowing their cues, and a rat on the loose, the cast members must work together to successfully put on the show.
From the moment audience members are greeted by Shakespeare, this show entertains. Before the show, Shakespeare (Brandon Baker) told jokes to the audience and even picked audience members to throw ‘tomatoes’ at a skull on his head for a reward of a piece of cheese. The ‘tomatoes’ were red foam balls, sold for $1 each to be thrown at the actors during bows. Baker’s character also had many other moments interacting with the audience, helping us to really feel included in the show, as well as adding comedy.
I thought this show was really well cast. All the characters were over-the-top, and I think all the actors committed to the bit. Edmund (Karson Buehler), Christopher (David Boncyk), and Thomas 2 (Christopher Morgan) were great ‘bad actors,’ each with funny moments during Hamlet. Percy (Ismael Michael), Rafe (Will Gurley), and Thomas 1 (Quinn McAllen), I thought, had stronger offstage characters, with distinct personalities and archetypes. I was confused at first when there were women being actors, since historically, women were not allowed to be onstage. However, it made sense when a joke was made about how they were women pretending to be men pretending to be women, a very Shakespearean comment.
The women of the show, Innogen (Isabella Bourman), Alice (Ally Tinker), and Edith (Emma Soemer), brought sass and a different perspective, so I was glad they were there. George and Henry (Jerry Tracy) were the backbone of the plot, and Tracy played the roles comically without underscoring their importance to the story. The role of Anne (Kristen Baker) was very well acted, because, in my opinion, it is harder to make an impact on the audience with a more subdued role; but Baker was able to achieve that. Baker, as Shakespeare, was also very impactful with his interactions with the audience and his ability to be the angry director character, but also funny. The rat (Anna Elliot) did not have any lines, but still drove the plot forward and provided comedy.
The lighting (designed by Ellie Parks) also helped convey the story, especially with a limited set, showing onstage versus backstage, as well as showing ‘aside’ moments.
This play accomplished its purpose. It was funny. Dove’s writing included a variety of jokes, from knowledge of the time period and Hamlet to plain-old slapstick comedy, ensuring everyone laughed. One of my favorite jokes in this show was the references to modern sayings, then the characters acting confused. I liked this show so much that I even bought the script, which Balladeer Theatre Company was selling. I would recommend this show to people who like farces, Shakespeare, supporting local playwrights, or just like comedies.
