The Hamlet Trilogy

On January 12, 2001, The NET began a daring theatrical adventure.
We called it "The Hamlet Trilogy."

I Hate Hamlet

January 12 - 28, 2001

A comedy by Paul Rudnick
Directed by Joe Doyle

Set Designer: Ken Junkins
Lighting Design and Stage Management: Anne Rudisill
Fencing Master: Mark Holbrow

Starring: George Hartpence Keith Kerns Tammy Koehler David Anthony Susan Barto Jo Page

Part One of the Hamlet Trilogy, I Hate Hamlet, was our most successful non-musical ever, playing to sold-out houses nightly. Critics raved about "I Hate Hamlet": In Time Off, Stu Duncan wrote: "Joe Doyle figured out how to direct it, not for the plot, nor even the one-liners, but rather the characters themselves. He takes a group of the company's more-or-less regulars, lets them settle nicely into their skins, and has them whack the dialogue toward the far walls with devastating brilliance." Read the full review. In The Times of Trenton, Michael Kownacky wrote, "The cast members assembled by director Joe Doyle are all clearly having the collective time of their lives. Their enthusiasm is infectious."

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Hamlet

February 16 - March 4

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Cheryl Doyle

Set Designer: Ken Junkins
Lighting Design and Stage Management: Anne Rudisill
Fencing Master: Mark Holbrow

Top left: Mort Paterson and George Hartpence; top center: Tammy Koehler and Kevin Cassel;
top right: Hugh Barton, George Hartpence and Carol Thompson; bottom right: George Hartpence.

Starring:
George Hartpence as Hamlet

With: Carol Thompson Hugh Barton Tammy Koehler Mort Paterson Barry Schechter Kevin Cassel Paul Dake Steve Lobis Curtis Kaine

And With: Melissa Charlton Giz Coughlin Ryan Dethy Phil Fagans Stephen Hersh Marco Newton Ed Patton Todd Reichart George Reilly

In his review of Hamlet, Stu Duncan (Time Off, Time Off Bucks County) wrote: "This is the most uncluttered production you are apt to see of the great Shakespeare play in your lifetime — completely defined and easy to follow. Even the kids will love it. In fact, take them. ...A rousing tale of betrayal, revenge and retribution — in all its fiery heritage. ... Here, [George Hartpence] has taken a huge challenge, met it squarely and won big." Read the full review. For an interview with George Hartpence and Hamlet director Cheryl Doyle about the Hamlet Trilogy project click here:  "Long Live The King"

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Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

March 16 - April 1

A Comedy by Tom Stoppard
Directed by Cheryl Doyle

Set Designer: Ken Junkins
Lighting Design and Stage Management: Anne Rudisill

Starring: Paul Dake as Rosencrantz (in photo, left) Steve Lobis as Guildenstern (in photo, right) Curtis Kaine as the Leading Player George Hartpence as Hamlet (in photo, center) Featuring: Hugh Barton, Kevin Cassel, Curtis Kaine, Tammy Koehler, Mort Paterson, and Carol Thompson. With: Melissa Charlton, Ryan Dethy, Phil Fagans, Mitch Gerson, Keith Kerns, and Stephen Hersh

In Time Off (Packet Publications) and Time Off Bucks County, Stuart Duncan wrote: "A good production of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is like Waiting For Godot on speed. Make no mistake: The current production at Actors' NET of Bucks County at the Heritage Center in Morrisville, Pa. is very good. ... It's very tricky stuff. Director Cheryl Doyle has dealt with it stunningly." Read the full review. In The Times of Trenton, Anita Donovan wrote: "Actors' NET of Morrisville has capped its ambitious 'Hamlet Trilogy' with a lively and absorbing rendition of Tom Stoppard's mind-twisting comedy, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead."