For three weeks through July 3, a troubled young man sees the ghost of his murdered father, pins the crime on his step-father, talks to the unburied skull of a former associate, pushes his girlfriend to suicide and ends up in a murderous family bloodbath.
And you thought “Game of Thrones” was startling.
Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton’s Pinkney Park presents “Hamlet,” the bloody, profound Shakespeare classic with some of the most quoted lines in all of literature.
The following information on the show comes from the Shakespeare on the Sound website.
Hamlet
Shakespeare on the Sound describes “Hamlet” this way on its website:
This drama is one of the great tragedy-themed plays by William Shakespeare. The themes of the plot include indecision, revenge, retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty and fate. Prince Hamlet mourns the death of this father, and the remarriage of his mother, Queen Gertrude, to Claudius.
The ghost of Hamlet’s father appears to him and tells him that Claudius has poisoned him, to which Hamlet swears revenge. He kills the eavesdropping Polonius, the court chamberlain.
Polonius’ son, Laertes, returns to Denmanr to avenge his father’s death. Polonius’ daugher, Ophelia, loves the Prince, but his behavior drives her to madness. A duel takes place and ends with the death of many…
Tickets
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY SHOWS
Our shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings are free to the public, with a suggested donation of $20/adult, and $10 for seniors and children (13 and over). We offer reserved seating, at $50/seat, in advance of the show (click HERE to purchase these tickets). Advance placement of blankets and chairs will take place at 4 p.m. on each of these days, on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers will be in the park to assist with this process.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY SHOWS
Admission to our shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings will now be a General Admission charge of $20/adult, and $10 for seniors and children (13 and over). We also offer reserved seating at $50/seat. Any of these tickets can be purchased in advance of the show (click HERE to purchase these tickets). Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office (located in the park, opening at 3:30 each day) on the day of the event. Please note the following NEW PROCEDURES for placement of blankets and chairs prior to these shows:
- Pre-purchased tickets allow for first entry to place blankets and chairs in the park, beginning at 4:00. Please bring your printed confirmation to the park to expedite this process.
- Tickets purchased on the day of the performance will then allow for placement of blankets and chairs in advance of the show,immediately following the pre-purchased ticket holders. Methods of payment accepted are CASH, CHECK (made payable to “Shakespeare on the Sound”) and CREDIT CARDS
- Reserved Seat Ticket Holders can check in at the designated table (reserved seating includes admission)
All ticket purchasers will be given wristbands as proof of payment, allowing for easy re-entering and exiting the park. Volunteers will be in the park to assist with this new process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What show are you offering this year and what are the dates and times?
Hamlet, June 16 to July 3 — shows begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.
Performances are every day of the week except for Monday.
What is the location of the event? What about Parking?
Performances take place in Pinkney Park, Rowayton (177 Rowayton Avenue) in Norwalk. Click here for directions to Pinkney Park.
What should I bring?
Blankets, low chairs and picnic fare will set you up well (many people arrive around 6:00 to begin their picnic). Bring sweaters, too—by the second act the sun has gone down and it can get chilly. Concession stands selling ice cream, snacks, and cold drinks will be available from Brendans 101. Many of the local restaurants and markets offer special Shakespeare on the Sound dinners. No dogs, please, except for service dogs. Click here for list of local restaurants/markets.
What about wine?
This is our most popular question. We don’t sell wine in the park in Rowayton, but yes, it is allowed. The Rowayton Wine Shop is just across the street from Pinkney Park.
What about rain?
Unless it’s raining hard at 7:30, we’ll plan to go on with the show. We don’t call off performances until the last possible moment. Summer weather is unpredictable — a late afternoon shower can move on to leave a beautiful balmy evening. Please check our website for updated information.
Why Donate?
Shakespeare on the Sound is a 501c3 charitable organization. Voluntary contributions from individual donors makes up over half of our revenue providing vital support for the summer performances and our education programs throughout the year.
How long is the show?
The show usually lasts about 2 and 1/2 hours including one intermission. It is estimated that the show will end at approximately 10:15 p.m.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
While the play is in production, dogs are not permitted (excluding service dogs, which we welcome).
What else is in the park?
We offer bug spray, restroom facilities and plenty of volunteers to greet you and help you find a place on the lawn.
Shakespeare Education and Children’s Activities
Every night at 6:30 p.m. there is a performance for young audiences in the park. Our apprentices have devised a short (25 minute) play that introduces the characters and explores the themes of the play in a very approachable and inventive way. There are also games and activities for children at the Education and Activity Tent.