Hamlet: The College Years

Seattle Shakespeare Company presents hyper-literate comedyWittenberg

Double Danes - Wittenberg runs in repertory with Seattle Shakespeare Company's production of Hamlet

WHO: Seattle Shakespeare Company presents Wittenberg by David Davalos

WHAT: A hyper-literate comedy about prince Hamlet's college days

WHERE: Center House Theatre at Seattle Center

WHEN: November 16-December 5 (Previews Nov 16; Opening Night Tuesday, Nov. 17)

SEATTLE, WA - Two Hamlets on the stage at the same time? Well...almost. In addition to their production of Shakespeare'sHamlet, Seattle Shakespeare Company is presenting a contemporary comedy about Hamlet's college days - Wittenberg. BothHamlet and Wittenberg will run in repertory at the Center House Theatre with several opportunities to see both plays on the same day.

Tickets are available now through the Seattle Shakespeare Company Box Office at 206-733-8222 as well as online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

Wittenberg is a smart, sprightly battle of wits. In the weeks before young Hamlet is called back home to Elsinore, university colleagues Dr. Faustus and Martin Luther vie for the head and heart of the Danish Prince. Hamlet, quite undecided, struggles with his tennis game. On all sides passion and argument build into a highly entertaining exploration of reason versus faith.

Local director Rita Giomi directs this funny and intellectually stimulating play which features Connor Toms in the role of Hamlet (Toms played the title role in Hamlet directed by Ms. Giomi at the Seattle Children's Theatre), Chad Kelderman as Dr. Faustus, Michael Patten as Rev. Martin Luther, and Michelle Chiachiere as the Eternal Feminine.

Playwright David Davalos homesteads in northern Colorado with his wife and daughter. Some of his plays include Daedalus: A Fantasia of Leonardo Da Vinci, The Tragedie Of Johnnius Caerson (a comedy in blank verse chronicling the Late Night TV wars) and Darkfall (a modern sequel to Paradise Lost). For its premiere production at Philadelphia's Arden Theatre, Wittenberg received the 2008 Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play. David is also the recipient of the National Theatre Conference's 2008 Stavis Playwriting Award.