Dramatic performance of 'Hamlet' by former Orlando Shakes colleagues to raise funds for theater learning programs
In the heart of Orlando, the Lowndes Shakespeare Center is set to host a unique theatrical event this Friday evening. The Young Company, a longstanding tradition at Orlando Shakes, is bringing Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Hamlet, to life in a one-night-only, pay-what-you-will benefit performance.
This production is a special one, as it features a cast of mostly college students who are also members of The Young Company's alumni. Among the familiar faces are Megan Borkes as Horatio and Ashleigh Ann Gardner as Guildenstern. The lead role of Hamlet is played by Fletcher McDaniel, an acting major at Shenandoah University.
One of the oldest alumni involved in the production is Meaghan Fenner, who participated in The Young Company from 1999-2001. Fenner will play King Claudius in Friday's performance.
The production's director, Mark Lowry, is no stranger to The Young Company. He was the artistic reunion's assistant director, having worked under the guidance of Monica Long Tamborello, a 2024 Orlando Sentinel Critic's Pick award winner who directed the Young Company's show "Two Gentlemen of Verona" in June. Tamborello has been directing Young Company productions for 14 years, the past eight with Keith Traver as her assistant.
Traver, the education coordinator for Orlando Shakes, is still involved with The Young Company. He was a participant in The Young Company back in 2002. The Young Company's program aims to provide a safe space for young artists to make bold choices, a philosophy that is evident in this production.
The sets for the production are being created from leftovers from "Two Gentlemen of Verona" and Orlando Shakes' children's production of "Stuart Little." The performers are responsible for their own costumes, adding a personal touch to the production.
Each rehearsal ends with the cast joining hands in a circle and saying, "May our circle remain unbroken until we're together again." This tradition underscores the sense of camaraderie and shared history among the performers, many of whom are rehearsing after their main jobs.
Ten college students involved in the production are taking an associated class for credit. The other alumni are volunteering their time to put on the show, demonstrating their commitment to The Young Company and its mission.
The proceeds from this performance will go towards Orlando Shakes' education department, which oversees The Young Company. This one-night-only event promises to be a memorable evening of theatre, showcasing the talent and dedication of The Young Company's alumni. Don't miss out on this artistic reunion on an Orlando Shakes stage.
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