The Actors' NET of Bucks County
Morrisville Heritage Center
635 N. Delmorr Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067
215-295-3694 (office), 215-428-0217 (theater)
ActorsNET@aol.com

click here to return to our home page:  Actors' NET Web Page

On January 12, 2001, The NET began a daring theatrical adventure.

We called it "The Hamlet Trilogy," --

Part One of the Hamlet Trilogy, "I Hate Hamlet," was our most successful non-musical ever, playing to sold-out houses nightly.

"I Hate Hamlet" photos -- above left: Keith Kerns (l) and George Hartpence;  above right: Tammy Koehler (left) and Susan Ferrara Barto.  George Hartpence and Tammy Koehler also star as Hamlet and Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

January 12-28, 2001

I Hate Hamlet, a comedy by Paul Rudnick

Starring George Hartpence, Keith Kerns, Tammy Koehler, David Anthony, Susan Barto, and Jo Page.  Directed by Joe Doyle.  Fencing Master Mark Holbrow.  Set Design by Ken Junkins.  Lighting Design and Stage Management, Anne Rudisill.

Reviews:

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."  Click here for the rest of his review:  Duncan review, I Hate Hamlet

In The "Trenton Times," 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."  Click here for the rest of his review: Kownacky review, I Hate Hamlet

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From February 16-March 4, 2001,
The Actors' NET proudly presented HAMLET

    Starring George Hartpence as Hamlet, with Carol Thompson, Hugh Barton, Tammy Koehler, Mort Paterson, Barry Schechter, Kevin Cassel, Paul Dake, Steve Lobis, and Curtis Kaine.  

With (alphabetically) Melissa Charlton, Giz Coughlin, Ryan Dethy, Phil Fagans, Stephen Hersh, Marco Newton, Ed Patton, Todd Reichart, George Reilly.  

Directed by Cheryl Doyle.  Fencing Master Mark Holbrow.  Set Design by Ken Junkins, Lighting Design and Stage Management by Anne Rudisill

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."  To read the rest of Mr. Duncan's review, click here:  Stu Duncan on "Hamlet"

To read an interview with George Hartpence and "Hamlet" director Cheryl Doyle, click here:   "Long Live The King"

Photo captions, above:  Top left, Mort Paterson and George Hartpence; top center, Tammy Koehler and Kevin Cassel; top left Hugh Barton, George Hartpence and Carol Thompson; far left, George Hartpence.

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And finally, part three...

March 16-April 1, 2001

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern
Are Dead

comedy by Tom Stoppard

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

Directed by Cheryl Doyle, stage managed and lighting design by Anne Rudisill, set design by Ken Junkins

REVIEWS:

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."

Click here to read the rest of Mr. Duncan's review:  Stu Duncan on R&G Are Dead

In The Trenton Times, 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.' "

Click here to read the rest of Ms. Donovan's review:  Anita Donovan on R&G Are Dead