BOSTON, MA – Local theatre company Yorick Ensemble honors its namesake by taking on one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays – Hamlet.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a gripping tale of mystery, ambition, and the fragile line between reality and illusion. Set against the backdrop of a royal court shrouded in secrets, this timeless tragedy follows a young prince whose world is upended by a sudden loss and an unsettling discovery. As he navigates a maze of loyalty, betrayal, and inner turmoil, the boundaries between duty and desire begin to blur. With rich language, unforgettable characters, and an atmosphere thick with suspense, Hamlet invites audiences into a world where nothing is as it seems.

“Hamlet is one of the most famous pieces of literature in the world, and it has been read and performed for millions since its inception, says Director Colton Chaney. “It falls to new artists to both indulge in hindsight and forge new works. For us, this means finding the hidden truth and empathy behind Hamlet's story and highlighting its extremes as well as its subtleties. We wanted every character in this production to be a completely realized person, and that means acknowledging Hamlet as the epicenter of the world and its conflict. Exploring both the tragic prince as well as the destruction, both physical and emotional, which he leaves in his wake is imperative to communicating this epic text as a deeply human story as well as an unimaginable tragedy.”

Hamlet will be performed for free on the Needham Town Common from September 5-13 and feature a wide array of talent local to the Greater Boston Area. For more information about the show, please visit yorickensemble.com.

CREATIVE TEAM:
Colton Chaney (Director), Demi DiCarlo (Asst. Director), Ben Cantor-Adams (Stage Manager), Josh Telepman (Props & Costume Design), Tom Marsh (Producer), Michael Jay (Producer), Matthew Tse (Sound Design & Dramaturgy), and Amanda Tafeen (Dramaturgy).

CAST:
Michael Jay (Hamlet), Nico Miller (Ophelia), T. Perry (Horatio), Jackson Rainey (Laertes), Maura Smith (Polonius), Laura Lee Bahr (Gertrude), Alex Deroo (Claudius), Landon Butler (Guildenstern/Ensemble, U/S Hamlet), Benedict Dawn-Cross (Rosencrantz/Ensemble, U/S Horatio, Laertes), Josh Telepman (First Clown/Ensemble, U/S Claudius, Polonius), Ryn Harter (Osric, Second Clown, Ensemble), Sydney T. Grant (Ensemble Swing, U/S Gertrude), and Amanda Tafeen (U/S Ophelia).

ABOUT YORICK ENSEMBLE

Yorick Ensemble is a young company founded by Josh Telepman in 2019. Yorick is a place for local theatre artists to work on thoughtful pieces that may be too weird for other non-professional theatres, and for young artists to develop their talents from writing to acting, directing, and beyond. Yorick promotes, produces, and provides platforms for early-career artists while reimagining established works, nurturing new artists and the next generation of audience members.

Join host Ryan Malyar in this special episode of Arts for the MASSes as he sits down with director Jamie Cook in the lobby of the Concord Players to discuss their upcoming production of Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World."

🎭 About the Show: Discover why "Songs for a New World" is considered essential repertoire for musical theater performers, featuring powerful standalone songs that explore the human experience through diverse characters and stories.

🎵 Musical Theater Mastery: Learn about composer Jason Robert Brown's genius and how this show connects to his other acclaimed works like "The Last Five Years," "Bridges of Madison County," and "Parade."

🇺🇸 Historical Connections: Explore how the production ties into Concord's 250th anniversary celebration, featuring songs that span from Columbus's 1492 voyage to Betsy Ross creating the first American flag in 1775.

🎨 Creative Vision: Jamie Cook explains her innovative approach of expanding the traditional four-person cast to eight performers, allowing for a fuller representation of the human experience across different ages and backgrounds.

💫 Themes That Resonate: Dive deep into the show's central theme of being "on the brink of something" - those pivotal moments before life-changing decisions that we all face.

What: Songs for a New World Where: Concord Players, 51 Walden Street, Concord, MA When: June 20-22, 2025

• Friday & Saturday: 8:00 PM
• Saturday: Additional 2:00 PM matinee
• Sunday: 2:00 PM matinee only

Tickets: Visit the Concord Players website for tickets and more information

Arts for the MASSes celebrates the vibrant arts community throughout Massachusetts, bringing you behind-the-scenes conversations with the artists, directors, and organizations that make our cultural landscape so rich. Hosted by Ryan Malyar and broadcast on WMCTV in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Are you an arts organization in Massachusetts or beyond? We'd love to feature your work! Contact us to arrange an interview and showcase the wonderful contributions you're making to your community.

#MusicalTheater #MassachusettsArts #ConcordPlayers #SongsForANewWorld #JasonRobertBrown #LiveTheater #ArtsForTheMASSes

Episode Highlights:Show Details:About Arts for the MASSes:

Interview with Director Jill Tokac and Producer Jim AnsartJoin host Ryan Malyar as he speaks with director Jill Tokac and producer Jim Ansart about The Footlight Club's upcoming production of "The Prom" in Jamaica Plain, MA. Discover why this heartwarming musical about inclusion, acceptance, and finding your community is becoming so popular in regional theaters across the country.In this episode, Jill shares insights about the show's powerful message of staying true to yourself, while Jim discusses the rich history of The Footlight Club—one of America's oldest continuously operating community theaters, founded in 1877. Learn about their special "Prom-Palooza" event on May 10th, their commitment to creating an inclusive theatrical community, and get a sneak peek at the professional-level choreography by Chad Flahive.Whether you're a fan of musical theater, interested in LGBTQ+ stories, or simply love supporting local arts, this conversation highlights the importance of community theater as a safe space for people to explore who they are without judgment.#theprom #communitytheater #FootlightClub #jamaicaplain #ArtsForTheMASSes #lgbtq #musicaltheater #BostonArts #LocalTheater