For Immediate Release --
2/29/08 Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs
WVPress contact only: Mary Hott -- 304-258-2300
PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

HAMLET AT THE ICE HOUSE BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ----

A cast of 28 local adults and youth perform one of William Shakespeare's
greatest works when "Hamlet" opens at the Ice House on Friday,
March 7 at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Gary McDaniel, "Hamlet"
continues for two weekends. Additional shows are Friday, March 14
and Saturday, March 8 and 15 at 7:30pm; Sunday, March 9 and 16 at
3pm and a pay-what-you-can performance on Thursday, March 13 at 7pm.

According to Henry Hickerson who plays Hamlet's friend Laertes, the
underlying predominant political message of the play is highly relevant
today. "It shows how a ruler has to be a good person," he says. Director
McDaniel agrees. "Hamlet is about young people and how they respond when
they do not have wise leaders," he says. "They struggle to find their
way and make a mess of things."

Youth dominates the cast with Hamlet played by
Berkeley Springs High School senior, Paul Truitt. "Paul is
amazing," says McDaniel. "He has so many lines. And Jessie McLaughlan
will tear your heart out as Ophelia." McDaniel points out that some
of the most memorable lines ever heard on stage are found in Hamlet.
"The play adds 600 new words to the English language," marvels the
director, "not to mention the unforgettable phrases." Shakespeare
introduced the concept of comic relief in this play. "Hamlet is a
tragedy because it has a tragic outcome," McDaniel explains.
"But it is also funny and filled with action. There are great sword
fights. We spent a lot of time working on the choreography of combat."
McDaniel points out the professional quality swords, spears and armor
fabricated by Hickerson as technical director especially for the play
and praises the splendid costumes "made from the bottom up" by Marti
Sikes. A trio of favorite character actors bring the comic side of
the play to life. Charles Balkan and Sandy Bienen perform as clowns
and Abby Brown is memorable as Polonius. Balkan urges the audience
to see the play more than once, "to catch it all," he said.

CNB is the play's exclusive sponsor. Hamlet is produced by the Morgan Arts
Council as part of the community-based Ice House Theater Project.
To make reservations call the theater hotline at 304-258-2300.
The Ice House is located on Independence and Mercer streets in
downtown Berkeley Springs.