Cascade Community Theatre Stages a Pacific Northwest Premier

By Bill Falcon

Photos by Jeff Zuber

Source - The River Current News - www.rivercurrentnews.com - March 19, 2009

Cascade Community Theatre’s production of “Ophelia Thinks Harder” is another fresh and innovative offering from this fledgling theatre troupe. Just like their last adaptation of Shakespeare, “Shrew’d”, staged last Summer by CCT, this is the first time “Ophelia Thinks Harder” by Jean Betts – with plenty of lines from William Shakespeare – will be performed anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.

This clever interpretation retells Hamlet from Ophelia’s point of view. The challenges a young woman faces growing up with conflicting messages about what is expected of her are examined from both a 16th century and modern perspective.

In his directing debut, Davin Henrikson brings a competent touch to a difficult script. The play contains a wealth of historical, mythological, and religious references, as well as a sprinkling of colloquialisms from New Zealand, the author’s homeland. Henrikson and a talented cast do a wonderful job of bringing these classic, complex characters from Hamlet to life.

As the lead character, Ophelia, Julie Jennings succeeds at portraying a girl beginning her journey into womanhood, faced with the trials of becoming a thinking individual, discovering the meaning of love, and learning what life and society expect of her. Chuck Young as Hamlet, Elise Leonti as Hamlet’s mother The Queen, Tom Anderson as Ophelia’s father Polonius, and David Galvin as Ophelia’s brother Laertes are delightfully engaging as they encourage her to accept things as they are. Ophelia finds support for her creative thinking in the person of her ever-faithful and diligent maid skillfully played by Suzy Murdoch. Equally entertaining are Patrick Kevin as Horatio helping Ophelia overcome her preconceptions, and Wendy Habek and Jane Pattinson who humorously tutor Ophelia in their roles as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (respectively). Rounding out the cast are Jeanene Court, Laura Falcon, and Joe Leonti in supporting roles.

As of Monday night’s preview, the lighting and sound effects had not been fully incorporated in the rehearsals, but the elements that were presented spoke well for what you should see when the show opens. The set is simple and suggestive of a 17th century castle, but elements of the script, scenery and costumes prevent one from being placed in a particular time period. These timeless elements, combined with the timeless challenges faced by Ophelia, are woven into an entertaining and thought-provoking tale set within the framework of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. 

Produced by Stuart Lisk, with technical direction by Brian Pattinson and costumes by Gina Humberstone, "Ophelia Thinks Harder" will be presented Mar. 27 and 28 at 7:30pm and on Mar. 29 at 2pm at the Cedarcrest High School Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount at www.cascadecommunitytheatre.org.

Baby sitting services will be provided at the High School during the shows by Cedarcrest music students. Contact Kathy Manuel for reservations - (425)-333-6509. A donation is requested. 

Now more than ever our local support organizations are struggling to help those in our community that need it the most. Cascade Community Theatre asks that you bring a non-perishable food or personal hygiene item with you to the show. Your donations will be passed along to Holy Innocents Catholic Church and Hopelink. Your help will be deeply appreciated!