(top, l to r) John Kelly Connolly, Robert Cornelius, Shanésia Davis, Gregory Fenner and Daniel Kyri (bottom, l to r) Martel Manning, Casey Morris, Jake Szczepaniak, Hannah Toriumi and Netta Walker.

The Gift Theatre has announced casting for William Shakespeare’s HAMLET, directed by Monty Cole. The production will feature Daniel Kyri as Hamlet with Gift ensemble members John Kelly Connolly as Claudius, Gregory Fenne* as Laertes, Martel Manning as Guildenstern and Hannah Toriumi as Rosencrantz, and guest artists Robert Cornelius as Ghost/Polonius, Shanésia Davis as Gertrude, Casey Morris as Horatio, Jake Szczepaniak as Fortinbras/Marcellus/Gravedigger and Netta Walker as Ophelia. HAMLET will play June 1 – July 29 at The Gift’s 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue space.

Cole said, “Over the last year, this script has only become more personal to me and my production team. What makes this Hamlet unique isn’t necessarily “a new spin” from me but rather a process of personalization from incredibly respected Chicago artists working to make this 400-year-old story feel prescient.”

Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton added, “Experiencing Shakespeare at The Gift is electrifying. In our intimate space, we can deliver performances that mirror Hamlet’s advice to the players: stripped-down, clear, lyrical, and conversational. To be mere feet away from Hamlet’s heartache and blazing mind would be gift enough; with the colossal talents of these artists, our HAMLET will be one for the ages.”

The production team for HAMLET includes William Boles (scenic design), Samantha Jones (costume design), Claire Chrzan and Michelle Benda (lighting design), Jeffery Levin (sound design) and Michael Petersen, Ph.D. (dramaturg).