The Stone Church Players (aka SCP) production of Hamlet continues this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and 6 pm on Sunday. This is the second installment of ‘Shakespeare in the Sheds’ following last year’s successful run of Much Ado About Nothing. Helmed by Artistic Director Michael F. McClellan of Long Branch, the crew also includes Allie Cohen of Jackson as Assistant Director, and Maebh McCarthy of Middletown as Stage Manager. Under Mr. McClellan’s direction, Hamlet is envisioned as a ghost story and the grounds of the All Saints’ Memorial Church are featured prominently as characters make their entrances and exits to and from the historic graveyard.
Ray Laux of Middletown leads the cast as the tormented Hamlet, son of the late King of Denmark. Mr. Laux was last seen as Claudio in last summer’s Much Ado About Nothing. He is a graduate of Monmouth University where he performed in several productions. Aaron “Juice” Jackson of Highlands plays the role of Claudius, Hamlet’s Uncle and the new King of Denmark, as well as the ghost of King Hamlet. A veteran performer and trained actor, Mr. Jackson is no stranger to SCP having previously appeared as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Hamlet marks his tenth production with SCP. Liz Carlin of Neptune plays Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother and Claudius’ new wife. Ms. Carlin is returning for her third production with SCP. She was last seen as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. A spiritual wellness coach, Ms. Carlin has an extensive background in theater and Shakespeare in particular, having previously studied with The Shakespeare Theater of NJ.
Faith King of Red Bank is the lovelorn Ophelia, daughter of Polonius, chief counselor to Claudius. Ms. King is a rising sophomore at West Virginia University pursuing her BFA in acting. She was last seen as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. Leslie Patient of Highlands is making her SCP debut as Polonius. A trained actor and theater educator, she is returning to the stage after almost 30 years. Elaina Pecora of Middletown is also making her SCP debut as Horatio. A high school junior, Ms. Pecora has appeared in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and A Chorus Line at Middletown High School North. Jesse Luciani of Red Bank plays Laertes, son of Polonius and brother of Ophelia. Mr. Luciani is a graduate of the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and is making his SCP debut.
Rounding out the principal cast are Andrew Struse of Middletown and Sarah O’Sullivan of Parsippany as the assassins Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Mr. Struse is a veteran character actor returning for his sixth Shakespeare production at SCP. Ms. O’Sullivan is an experienced actor and vocalist and is making her SCP debut. Also featured are Darren DeAngelo of Keansburg, Courtney Ravelo of Union Beach, Lizzy Stefanic of Middletown, and Gracie Whaley of Neptune as “The Players”.
Show synopsis (from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust): The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet.
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes including a ten minute intermission. Street parking is available on Oakdale Run. You may enter the parking lot by the path next to the mailbox. A limited amount of accessible parking spots will be available in the main parking lot. Please email us at stonechurchplayersnj@gmail.com and we can reserve a parking spot for you. Restrooms are available in the Parish House and refreshments will be available for purchase on the patio. Seating is first come, first served. Masks are recommended but not required. We offer three ticket prices - $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at scp.booktix.com (includes a small service fee) or reserved by emailing us. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door (cash preferred). For more information visit our website, stonechurchplayers.org.