Hamlet The Rock Musial

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
El Portal Theatre
Through February 23

Hamlet The Rock Musical has had a few iterations since it debuted in 1973 with the title Kronberg 1582. It was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where it was part of a larger radio program. In 1976, it ran on Broadway for seven shows as Rockabye Hamlet, and played here at the Odyssey Theatre in 1981 for 18 months as Somethin’ Rockin’ in Denmark. Now retooled, the tale of Danish Prince Hamlet’s quest to avenge the death of his father is gracing the stage at the El Portal for a limited run.

The music and lyrics are by Cliff Jones, with additional music, lyrics and orchestrations by Craig Fair. Bill Castellino helms a cast of 16 that for the most part do a good job with a very hefty line-up of songs. But the production does have its fault lines. With this much singing, there are segments where the vocals aren’t all they should be. In fact, at times the singing is downright flat, while the music all but eclipses the narrative and gravitas of the story (this is Shakespeare, after all!). On balance, however, the ensemble does a good job. The best singing of the evening is done by Fatima El Bashir as Ophelia, who sings like an angel, and Carly Thomas Smith, who plays Gertrude. Also worthy of mention in this regard is Payson Lewis as Hamlet.

The music by the live orchestra is steadfastly superb under music director and conductor Doug Oberhamer, who teams up on keyboards with Anthony Lucca. Other members are Rachel Coosaia (Cello), John Fumo (trumpet), Danielle Ondarza (French horn), Ido Meshulam (trombone), Rich Shaw (bass guitar), Justin Smith (acoustic/electric guitar) and Mark Converse (drums).

Scenic and video design, terrifically done, is by Nick Iwaskow, particularly his highly functional castle façade. Iwaskow teams up with Joan A. Garofalo for an equally fine lighting schema. Credit Leon Rothenberg and Jonathan A. Burke with a very effective sound design. Mylette Nora’s imaginative variety of costumes nicely complements the production.

El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; Wed.-Sun., 8 p.m.; through Feb. 23. (818) 508-4200 or https://www.HamletTheRockMusical.com. Running time: two hours with one intermission.