The production was a traditional version of the play. The costuming was elegant period dress. The set was minimal but well done, and it works for this production. There were multiple levels, including an in-stage level for the gravedigger scene. The rousing sword fight between Laertes and Hamlet used much of the set, including the levels and the stairs.
I thought that the performance was well acted. As with most versions that I have seen, the actor playing Hamlet is older than one would expect of a college student. This is fairly common, though; in fact, having an actual college student act the part is atypical to my experience. The cast did an excellent job, playing it safe and traditional and carrying their roles well. Tim Newell, in the role of Claudius, was particularly notable.
The running time was approximately 2.5 hours, long enough without seeming overly so. The play was shortened in order to fit the time slot. This did not cause continuity issues, although there was one minor exception. The conversation between Hamlet and Horatio describing Hamlet's escape from pirates was edited. The demise of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern was mentioned only briefly, leaving it a bit vague as to what happened to them until the final scene. Horatio drawing his finger across his throat--that was the sign that the two went "to't."
One other modification was in the final scene. Horatio's parting line to Hamlet--"Good night sweet prince..."--was taken from its usual place and put at the very end, after Fortinbras' appearance. Horatio and Hamlet are left on stage as the lights fade to black. It's effective, allowing the play to end focused on the relationship of the two and not on Fortinbras' pronouncements.
All in all, this was a well-done production and a great way to spend an evening out in Buffalo. (One note to the prospective visitor: arrive early in order to find a parking space!)
(For further information on the troupe, go to shakespeareindelawarepark.org.)
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