Friday, May 16, 2008

The Shakespeare Theatre Company's 18th annual Free for All reprises last year's "Hamlet," starring Jeffrey Carlson as the high-strung prince of Denmark and Michelle Beck as the unfortunate Ophelia, beginning Thursday at Carter Barron Amphitheatre. Patrick Page, who won a Helen Hayes Award in 2006 as Iago in the company's production of "Othello," plays Claudius as a villain of sleek charm -- a little like Page's Scar in "The Lion King" on Broadway.

Performed in modern dress, this version emphasizes Hamlet's manic volatility and frustrated fury rather than the traditional melancholic introspection. The play-within-a-play, wherein Hamlet hopes to "catch the conscience of the king," is performed by actors in Kabuki dress and bunraku puppets.

The production runs through June 1 (except May 26). Day-of-performance tickets (four maximum) are available at the Shakespeare Theatre box office at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW, starting at noon; at the Carter Barron box office, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW, starting at noon; and at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Tuesday through Friday starting at 8:30 a.m. (The Washington Post is a sponsor of Free for All.) A limited number of day-of tickets will be available at http://www.shakespearetheatre.org only for May 22-29 shows, beginning at 8:30.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; gates open at 5:30. There is limited free parking and picnic tables, but the National Park Service prohibits alcohol, metal or glass containers, hard coolers, folding chairs and pets. Performances are canceled only in the event of heavy rain or lightning.

-- Eve Zibart

Shakespeare Free for All Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW.http://www.shakespearetheatre.org. Thursday-June 1. Free (tickets required). Shakespeare Free for All Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW.http://www.shakespearetheatre.org. Thursday-June 1. Free (tickets required).