Sun. April 21, 2024
By Jerry Nunn
The adventure began at a slower pace then eventually wry humor was sprinkled in. Ticket holders needed to pay attention and listen to grasp the intention of a team that doesn't suffer fools.
Playing multiple parts is a skill that Izzard has acquired over the years and pantomime continues to be an important part of her act. The popular characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were conveyed with invisible hand puppets instead of felt-made creations. Local audiences happen to be fortunate these days as Court Theatre's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is playing nearby for those who desire to pursue more on the dynamic duo.
“The rub” of choosing to not involve multiple cast members or physical props comes with the fact that the solo act is carrying everything on her shoulders. This is noticeable with a workout during one section of fight choreography where Izzard works herself up into a tizzy by dueling with herself.
At curtain call, Izzard opened up about the passion project and completed her Windy City supporters. Her background in street performance and the world of stand-up has paid off with the sometimes challenging text being conveyed trippingly from her tongue. It's fascinating to watch her mind work as she interacts with herself through observational humor and realistic reactions.
Shakespeare's longest play could benefit from vocal variances to differentiate the multitude of personalities along the way and by adding some colorful costume changes to engage viewers. These are minor quibbles though and if The Bard of Avon were alive today he would be curious to see what is “to be or not to be” in this modern execution of Hamlet.
Hamlet bids adieu on May 4, 2024, so spend your ducats at chicagoshakes.com before it's too late. “Get thee to a nunnery” and Navy Pier indeed!
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