Capital Classic Theatre Company is featuring full-length productions of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Hamlet’ in repertory at the 2024 Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival through Aug. 4.

By Kaily Martinez

Looking for things to do this summer? Look no further than the University of Saint Joseph, where Capital Classic’s Greater Hartford is hosting the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival featuring two productions of comedy and tragedy. There’s still time to attend, as performances alternate from July 10 through Aug. 4. 

On opening night, people were able to enjoy the witty banter of The Taming of the Shrew. But, on Thursday night, guests felt grief-stricken through love and death as they viewed the performance of Hamlet. Setting the scene, a small stage featured a few pillars and an archway to create the different illusions of a room, balcony or the outside of a building. 

Stage right in the grass was a gravesite, foreshadowing what was to come. As the sun went down and the spotlight came out, ambient purple and blue lighting came from multiple angles, seeming to display the feeling of grief after a tragedy. On top of the illuminating lighting and scene props, the sounds, costumes and the actors all brought Hamlet to life. 

While Hamlet is a tragedy, comedic relief is sprinkled throughout the performance to relieve any tension. In the opening number, the cast broke out into a dance to the song “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones, connecting to Hamlet and his friends living in their youth.

Yet, the story is not as lively as Hamlet learns about the death of his father while at Wittenberg University. But at the castle, for the third night in a row, the watch sees the ghost of Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet.  

King Claudius, King Hamlet’s brother and now married to Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, rules that Hamlet cannot return to Wittenberg – leaving Hamlet more frustrated and distressed after hearing the news about his father’s death and his mother marrying his uncle.

However, shortly after the watch reveals to Hamlet that they have witnessed the ghost of his father, Hamlet sees him with his own eyes. In this encounter, Hamlet learns the truth about his father’s death and is plagued with the task of avenging and uncovering the truth of King Hamlet’s death. 

Through the heat and humidity, the cast did an excellent job of staying true to their character and the story. Director Geoffrey Sheehan spoke admirably about the dedication the cast and crew have for not only the performance of Hamlet but also in The Taming of the Shrew.

“I’m so impressed by everybody’s incredible hard work and efforts they put in. It takes a commitment level that few things do in this world,” Sheehan said. “Especially the 12 actors, other than Hamlet, are also in Taming of the Shrew. So, they are creating two incredibly unique and incredibly different pieces of work simultaneously.” 

Sheehan and Herb Emanuelson, the Board president of Capital Classics Theatre Company, shared that rehearsals started on June 1 and lasted five weeks. Capital Classics Theatre Company has done a production every year during the summer, but this is the first time they’ve done two plays in one summer, Emanuelson added. 

After this season ends, Sheehan and Emanuelson said they’ll be searching to see what play to put on for next year. Until then, “We will take a little bit of a break and then start planning,” Emanuelson said. 

“It will be very fun for our audience who come see both shows to see the incredible difference that a lot of the actors are taking on. Whatever they come to first, to see the other one will be a really enjoyable experience,” Sheehan said. 

Until the end of intermission, snacks from waffles to popcorn, wine, sodas and merchandise are available for purchase. The viewing of the art museum is open as well for guests to enjoy. Bug spray and sunscreen are also provided. 

While Hamlet and The Taming of the Shrew are complete opposites, both have their own uniqueness as the production and performances are unlike any other.

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