By JANAE HACKWORT
For the student seeking a fun alternative to spending an evening watching a movie with some friends, BYU’s theater production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” may be the option.
Tom Stoppard’s play revolves around two seemingly insignificant characters in Shakespeare’s play, “Hamlet” and creates a whole new twist to the story.
“It is the story of ‘Hamlet’ through the perspective of two minor characters — Rosencrantz and Guildenstern,” said Eric Samuelsen, the play’s director.
The play is a spoof on “Hamlet” and absurdism said L. Barrett Ogden, a theater major from Provo.
“This is a very funny play, especially if you’re into British humor. There are a lot of word games, the language is fast paced, and it keeps you thinking,” Ogden said.
“Rosencrantz (played by Ogden) is a very lovable cuddly kind of guy, but he is totally clueless. Guildenstern (played by D.C. Wright) is always trying to make sense of things. He’s a little uptight, and he always lectures Rosencrantz,” Ogden said.
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern find themselves in the situation where everyone is telling them what to do; they try hard to do what they’re told and nothing works out,” Samuelsen said.
“Anyone can relate to this play. Each one of us has been in a situation where everyone is telling us what to do. We try our hardest to do it, and then it still doesn’t work out,” Samuelsen said.
“It is a great play. You have to pay attention because it is high paced and there’s a lot of dialogue,” said Jeremy Hoop, a music dance theater major from Santa Rosa, Calif., who plays Hamlet in the production.
Although stars Ogden and Wright went to Timpview High School together, it will be the first time they have starred together in a play, Ogden said.
Jason Tatom, Jeremy Hoop, Heywood Bagley, Anthony Brinkley, Phoebe Candland and Laralee Chandler are also in the play.
This BYU production of “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” will be performed Jan. 24 through Feb. 10. at 7:30 p.m. in the Margetts Theater at the Harris Fine Arts Center. The show will be presented every Tuesday through Saturday. A Saturday matinee will be offered on Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are $6 for students, faculty and staff; $7 for senior citizens and alumni; and $8 for the general public.
Tickets for all show times are still available. Contact the Fine Arts Ticket Office at (801) 378-4322 for more information.
