“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t” Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2, line 203. True words which aptly describe the Yea Ha, Honkey Tonk approach taken in this production of Hamlet at the Cornerstone Park in Henderson, Nevada through May 17th. It is modern-day punk-rock Shakespeare adapted to 2025. The eye-catching sets actually include a trailer suitable for some trashy folks who cavort across the stage under a tent with raucous abandonment.
Bells ring, spirits speak, smoke rises, people are killed. Clearly, as the character Marcellus says during the play, “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
To go or not to go is not even in question. It’s time to get tickets to Nevada Shakespeare Festival’s main stage production. In partnership with the City of Henderson, this isn’t your typical Shakespeare; it’s a full-out vibe. This is modern-day punk-rock Shakespeare adapted to 2025 – with eye-catching sets, updated backdrops, raucousness, and more. “Hamlet” at Cornerstone Park in Henderson (1600 Wigwam Parkway) runs at various times through May 17. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $5 for students, and $30 VIP (first two rows). and are on sale online at Nevada Shakespeare Festival.
An Italian circus tent at Cornerstone Park is transformed into a trailer park down South for this mainstage production of “Hamlet,” where you’ll see the title character return home to mourn the sudden death of his father. Upon discovering his mother’s equally sudden marriage to his uncle, Hamlet soon realizes that something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark. Southern rock and madness, poltergeists and murder, corn hole and family tradition, and more all pour forth from this adaptation of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
To keep Shakespeare available for everyone, there will be a “pay what you can” performance on Wednesday, May 14. Talk back with the cast and artistic team will be held after the performances on May 16.
Directed and adapted by Nevada Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director Matthew Morgan, “Hamlet” features Brandon Alan McClenahan, Monica Johns, Christopher Brown, Annette Verdolino, Kyara Isis Williams, Jamey Maurice Clay, Christopher Aguilar, Gary Lunn, Joshua Berg, Amanda Guardado, Matthew Morgan, Heidi Brucker Morgan, and Blake Boles.
“Comedy of Errors is Coming”
Las Vegas and Henderson bard-besties can also enjoy “The Comedy of Errors” at Shakespeare in the Parks on May 24th. The free, family-friendly performances will tell the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth –Angelica of Syracuse and her servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in Ephesus, which turns out to be the home of their twin sister and brother, Angelica of Ephesus and her servant, Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities lead to wrongful beatings, a near-seduction, the arrest of Antipholus of Ephesus, and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession. Full of quick changes, puppets, masks, wigs, cloaks, and lots of jokes.
Shakespeare in the Parks “The Comedy of Errors” performance schedule includes May 24 at 6 p.m. Aliante Nature Discovery Park, North Las Vegas
ABOUT NEVADA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAl
The Nevada Shakespeare Festival’s mission is to bring the power and purpose of Shakespeare to the modern world through bold and engaging concepts. Whether young or old, newcomers or experienced theater-goers – they meet people where they are in order to expand where they can go. When they pair the works of Shakespeare with their uproarious and thought-provoking interpretations, they uniquely speak to our shared humanity, enrich our lives, and improve our ability to connect in more meaningful ways. It’s top-notch Shakespeare at Punk Rock prices!
Through education, NSF will use an imaginative and wildly funny approach to Shakespeare to foster self-confidence and enhance the academic and free-thinking skills of Nevada’s youth while instilling a lifelong appreciation for the arts
Sponsorship opportunities for Nevada Shakespeare Festival are available year-round. For additional information visit the Nevada Shakespeare Festival, or connect on social media @nvshakefest on Instagram and Facebook.
Article by Dianne Davis and Burt Davis Photos by Dianne or Burt Davis
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