Women Playing Hamlet

The State Fair Community College Theatre Arts program will present the comedy “Women Playing Hamlet” Oct. 4-8 in the Thompson O’Sullivan Studio Theatre, Yeater 126, on the Sedalia campus.

The play, dubbed “a modern comedy about an old tragedy,” is written by William Missouri Downs and features an all-woman cast performing multiple roles. Downs has won two Rolling Premieres from the National New Play Network for “The Exit Interview” and “Women Playing Hamlet.” He also has won numerous playwriting awards and twice been a finalist at the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. Eric Yazell, Theatre Arts program coordinator and instructor, is the director.

Playing Hamlet is a challenge for any actor, but when Jessica is cast as the lead character in a New York production, her life spins out of control. With a borderline abusive acting coach; a negative Starbucks barista who tells her that she is too young to play Hamlet; and a Broadway star opposing her, it is no wonder Jessica cannot figure out “to be or not to be.” Shakespeare fans and haters alike will find this fast-paced performance comical yet sobering.

The performance is rated PG for mild language.

Regular performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-7; admission is $6. Tickets are $15 for the Oct. 7 dinner theatre in the Yeater Center lobby; dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The dinner theatre menu is available by calling the Box Office at (660) 530-5814 from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A matinée will be presented at 2 p.m. Oct. 8. Anyone 60 or older will be admitted free.

SFCC students and employees receive free admission, and cost of the dinner theatre for them is $10. Special group rates are available for both regular performances and dinner theatre.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.sfccmo.edu/the-arts, by calling the Box Office or emailing tickets@sfccmo.edu. Wheelchair seating is available upon request.

Visit our ticket center to reserve your seats today!