Bridget Poindexter and David Koenigsberg take their Guildenstern and Rosencrantz characters to the comedic edge in the Any Stage Theater Company’s production of “Hamlet.” Photo by Andrea Worker.
“To be or not to be. That is the question.” Thanks for that, Shakespeare, but in this case the question has already been answered. The young co-founders of Any Stage Theater Company declared that “Hamlet,” the debut production from their new theatrical outfit, will take place at Lake Anne Park, 11301 North Shore Drive, in Reston, rain or shine.
“The audience will be seated under the pavilion, so whatever the weather, they will be protected,” said Any Stage co-founder John-Nicholas Walsh. In addition to directing the abridged, modernistic interpretation of the Shakespearean staple, Walsh, who graduated from Westfield High School in Chantilly, also plays the part of Polonius.
ANY STAGE is the ambitious result of three friends’ love of theater and their desire to bring the medium directly into the community. The name was purposefully chosen to reflect that the company is ready, willing and able to bring theatrical entertainment anywhere, but particularly to outdoor venues. John-Nicholas Walsh, his brother Zack, and Jessi Swanson, a senior at Westfield, are the company’s driving forces, chief talent, prop gatherers, and anything else needed to bring their dream to life. Together they started an online fundraising campaign, seeking just enough backing to secure a location and purchase the few props required for their take on the story of the tragic Danish prince.
“We are strictly not-for-profit at this point,” said John-Nicholas, “and our prop needs aren’t too many. This is a production that uses the imagination of the audience, as well as how close they are to the action to make it special.”
The rest of the cast also comes from the ranks of current or former Westfield High School students. Zack Walsh is bringing the title character to life. Swanson will be his doomed Ophelia. The King and Queen will be played by Aria Velz and Liesl Stach, respectively. Andrew Brockmeyer tackles Horatio, Michael Rosegrant takes up Laertes, Nick Swanson will be Osric, and two more Westfield attendees, David Koenigsberg and Bridget Poindexter give the characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern some extra comedic flair. Spencer Thomas will be in charge of stage management.
CAST AND CREW have been meeting and rehearsing wherever and whenever they can, since green-lighting their project last summer.
“A big shout-out to Panera Bread in Reston!” said director Walsh, acknowledging the number of get-togethers that took place at the restaurant. Between jobs, school and other productions that the still-in-schoolers are in, the fact that they still met, still rehearsed and state their readiness for their debut, says a lot about their commitment to the project and to seeing Any Stage Theater Company take hold and grow.
“We would love to see this branch out, bringing outdoor theater all around the area and beyond,” said John-Nicholas. “Let’s get through this one, but we already have plans for the next one. Maybe an original creation.”
“Hamlet,” by the Any Stage Theater Company, will be performed on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17. If there were a curtain, it would rise at 3 p.m. on both days. Admission is free, but donations are cheerfully accepted. There will be chairs for the audience. The crew says that the production is probably suitable for all ages, but because of certain themes, they give themselves a PG (maybe 13) rating.
John-Nicholas Walsh says they are ready. He is nervous “about the things we just can’t control” but believes a good time will be had by cast and audience alike. Come what may, the Any Stage Theater Company is prepared to prove the words of the Bard himself — “All the world’s a play, and all the men and women merely players.”