Pictured: Samual Cheeseman

Midsommer Flight has announced the cast and creative team for their Summer production of Shakespeare’s HAMLET.

Performed in an abridged 100-minute version, and directed by founder and producing artistic director Beth Wolf, the production features Samual Cheeseman (Hamlet), Jared Dennis (Claudius), Stephen Fedo (Polonius), Morayo Orija (Gertrude), Bianca Phipps (Ophelia), Joe Sergio (Laertes), Ian Michael Minh (Horatio), Mark Huddle (Ghost/Player King), Adam Habben (Marcellus/Osric/Lucianus/ Gravedigger 2), Jesse Montoya (Rosencrantz), Adam Rice (Guildenstern), Emily Renee Shimskey (Barnardo/Sailor/Ambassador/ Player Queen/Gravedigger1) and Erick Rivera (Musician/Composer)

The creative team includes Elizabeth Rentfro (music director/vocal coach), Chris Smith and Maureen Yasko (fight directors) and Jeremiah Barr (scenic designer). Robin Waisanen will be stage manager and Meredith Ernst will be assistant director.

HAMLET will play for free in various parks around Chicago and will be presented on the ground, with natural lighting (curtain times are early enough to complete performances before sunset) and without amplification, just as in Shakespeare’s day.

“We’re delighted to be presenting HAMLETHamlet, one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, and making it available and affordable for all to see,” comments Wolf. “While our performances are played in daylight and without amplification, just as they were at the Globe Theatre, our sets and costumes will give the piece contemporary parallels and relevance.”

HAMLET runs July 8th – August 27th.
Saturdays at 6 PM and Sundays at 2 PM.
Venues vary by week:
July 8-9 @ Lincoln Park (2045 N Lincoln Park West, 60614)
July 15-16 and 22-23 @ Touhy Park (7348 N Paulina, 60626)
July 29-30 and August 5-6 @ Schreiber Park (1552 W Schreiber, 60626)
August 12-13 and 19-20 @ Gross Park (2708 W Lawrence, 60625)
August 26-27 @ Lincoln Park (2045 N Lincoln Park West, 60614)
All performances are free.

Live music will be presented a half-hour prior to each performance. Audiences are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic to enjoy this free programming.

Advance reservations are not offered – seating is first come, first served, and audience members can bring their own blankets or chairs. For more information visit midsommerflight.com.