On Theater: ‘Hamlet’ from two viewpoints at Vanguard

Most theatergoers are aware that Tom Stoppard’s play “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” centers on a pair of minor characters from Shakespeare’s masterpiece “Hamlet.” But few have had the opportunity to compare them by viewing the two shows back to back.

They’ll get that chance next month (actually next week) when Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University turns the spotlight on its summer professional troupe, American Coast Theater Company. Both “Hamlet” and “R&G” will be presented in repertory with the actors playing the same characters in both productions.

The purpose of this unique exercise is to involve the audience in the plays’ opposing styles of character and commentary, according to Susan Berkompas, artistic director of both Vanguard’s theater program and ACTC, who will perform in both shows.

“The two productions also will be sharing an overall unified aesthetic and design with scenic elements woven throughout both shows,” Berkompas noted.

Directing “Hamlet” will be Jeremy Aluma, an award-winning theatrical director and producer whose credits range from off-Broadway to South Coast Repertory. Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” will be staged by Christi McHale, associate producing director of ACTC.

“I plan to use the audience as a more involved participant in the play, using them like another character,” Aluma said. “I also want them to have some kind of relationship to the ghosts and death in the play.”

Added McHale: “We will be physicalizing the idea of a man as a puppet through the action on stage and the design in a way that we cannot wait to share with audiences.”

The casts of the two shows include, in addition to Berkompas, James McHale, Paul Eggington, Amanda Zam and Brock Milhorn, all associated with ACTC. Also aboard are Ian Jenkins, Ahmed Brooks, Katie Canavan, Tyler Thoreson, Aaron McGee, Taylor Stephenson, Andrew Puente, Jason Evans and Lola Kelly.

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TOM TITUS reviews local theater.

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IF YOU GO

What: “Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”

Where: Vanguard University’s Lyceum Theater, 55 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa

When: “Rosencrantz”: 7:30 p.m. June 3, 4, 16 and 25 and July 3, with 2 p.m. matinees June 5, 11, 19 and 26 and July 2.

“Hamlet”: 7:30 p.m. June 10, 11, 17, 19, 24 and 26 and July 2, with 2 p.m. matinees June 12, 18 and 26.

Cost: Tickets are $19 each or $15 if purchased for both shows.

Information: Call (714) 668-6145 or visit ACTCTickets.com