Murder Most Foul at Flint Community Players

Reviewed by Amber M. Dillard

The bard was alive tonight in Flint as the Flint Community Players opened their production of Hamlet by William Shakespeare and directed by Kevin Emmons. One of Shakespeare’s most famous tragic plays; complete with murder, intrigue, madness, and betrayal.  This show includes some of the most iconic Shakespearen quotes including the to be, or not to be, soliloquy; get thee to a nunnery; and of course, cruel to be kind.    

The story in this production focuses on an import/export company which was run by Hamlet Sr, (played by Patrick Munley) who has just recently died.  His brother, Claudius (played by Bart Burger) then takes over the company which includes marrying Gertrude, (played by Sean O’Tuathal) Hamlet Sr’s widow and mother to Hamlet Jr (played by Michaela Floyd).  The time period of the show was modern day and although this choice was an interesting take, it was not executed.  From the beginning of the show to the end, nerves were apparent and lines were fumbled.  It was clear that most of the cast did not understand the meaning behind Shakespeare’s words. Floyd was hard to hear and understand, often dropping their voice at the end of each line.  

Soon after, we meet the family of Polonia (expertly played by Marie Vanhorn) a close associate of the Denmark Imports and Exports company including her two children, Laertes (Katherine Lengyel) and Ophelia (Emma Orr).  The relationship between these two families should have been made much more clear in the beginning of the play to set up the tragic ending.  When Hamlet Jr is made aware of the betrayal of a family member by his close friend, Horatio (Tessa Isaacson) the plot starts to heat up.  Here we have one of the best scenes in the entire play with the Ghost of Hamlet’s father and Hamlet.  Munley’s choices are clear, chilling, and expertly executed.  He alone is worth the price of admission.   

A plan is set in motion to try to catch the killer and madness ensues, literally.  Claudius sends for Hamlet’s school friends, Rosencrantz (Pamela Beauchamp) and Guildenstern (Willow Treece) to try to distract Hamlet from his melancholy.  This does not work, but happily a troupe of actors are not too far behind.  Hamlet convinces the players (played by Micah Blumner, Emma Scott, and Ryan Filpansick) to reenact what he believes to be a real life event to prove the betrayal.  This scene is stolen by Micah Blumner and a hearty huzzah to him for making such bold choices!  

The plot continues with bouts of madness, murder, revenge, and death.  The cast is rounded out by Marcellus (Alexander Rossiter), Barnardo and Reynaldo (played skillfully by Steve Harris) and Osric (Rhea Treece).  Another notable scene was between Claudius and Laertes who conspire together to sabotage Hamlet during a fencing match.  The real steel added a nice effect, but Burger and Lengyel really made those scenes believable.  The play does not end happily with most of the cast succumbing to the choices made by themselves or others to pursue revenge and/or power.  

Most of this show is set during the evening hours and unfortunately, the lighting design by Levi Brownfield left this reviewer desperately wanting more.  Actors were in the dark or the lighting did not match the mood of the scene.  This show could have used some more music to set the frame of mind of the characters as well.  The stage itself was not utilized well as only one side of the stage was primarily used for entrances and exits.  This slowed the pace of the show and the momentum was lost, we often waited for actors to exit before others could enter.   

The run time for the show is over 3 and a half hours and dragged on including some very slow and noisy scene changes where a few lighting and sound cues would have done wonders to pick up the pace of the show.  There was no sense of urgency even from the characters whose lives were sent upside down.  Another missed opportunity was with the script itself, more cuts should have been made to keep the run time down.  While Friday night was a little shaky for the cast and crew, we feel the kinks and nerves will die down and the love of Shakespeare will shine through.  Kudos to all of the cast and crew for a wonderful performance!  We recommend making the effort to see this production.

Hamlet continues through March 10, 2024 at Flint Community Players, 12462 S Ballenger Hwy, Flint, MI 48507. For tickets call the box office at 810-441-9302 or go to https://www.flintcommunityplayers.com.