staging the imagined truth with speed & violence
Hamlet
written by William Shakespeare
"Christian Levatino, previously seen in the Gangbusters' stunning production of "Tracers," is spine-tingling in the title role. So often, Hamlet mopes his way through the bard's language, coming alive only within the final scenes. Not so with Levatino's depiction of the "melancholy Dane."
His is a militant rebel bent on vengeance for the overthrow and death of his father, the former king of Denmark. Capitalizing on the show's setting, Levatino's Hamlet is unpredictable, displaying a schizophrenic and simmering temper that erupts with barely a warning. It's a muscular performance that keeps one on the edge of their seats."
THE BURBANK LEADER
Dink O'Neal
July 11, 2008
"...the strength of Thomas' production, his perfectly cast leading players, is without a doubt the production's strongest asset."
THE BURBANK LEADER
Dink O'neal
July 11, 2008
"One may have seen HAMLET before. Perhaps, but definitely not in this mode! The Gangbusters Theatre Company's version is a fine example of where the inmates are indeed running the asylum, right down to its final "insane" showdown! This is a play that is worth a good hard look!"
ACCESSIBLY LIVE
Rich Borrowy
July 23, 2008
"Directed with powerfully explosive choices by D.D. Thomas...Levatino must be seen and seriously considered, by all of the L.A. theatrical award officials."
THE TOLUCAN TIMES
Pat Taylor
July 23, 2008
"Stepping into the nemesis role is Rob Kahn as Claudius, Hamlet's paternal uncle now married to Gertrude, the former king's widow.
Kahn's performance is, in a word, flawless. His command of the script's occasionally arcane language makes it possible for anyone to follow the plot. Furthermore, Kahn subtly conveys thoughts and subtext with the slightest raise of an eyebrow. Alone, his and Levatino's exhibition of their craft makes this production worth seeing."
THE BURBANK LEADER
Dink O'neal
July 11, 2008
Visually, the show is first-rate. Brandon Baruch's multihued lighting and Adam Phalen's seamless sound design complement every level of this piece.
