Lake Park High theater takes on rhyming couplets for ‘Hamlet Hears a Who’

The Lake Park High School theater department kicks off their 2025-26 season with the children’s play, “Hamlet Hears a Who,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the East Campus Dice Auditorium, 500 S. Medinah Road, Roselle. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is free to senior citizens and Lake Park students and $5 for anyone age 13 or older.

Theater-goers will experience a brilliant mashup of William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss in this production that includes a cast of 17 students. Shakespeare’s original play has been “Seussified” — meaning every character speaks in rhyming couplets — but the plot remains the same. The King of Denmark dies mysteriously. His son, Hamlet, is met by the ghost of his father where it is revealed he was murdered by his own brother. Meanwhile, his brother marries the grieving widow, Queen Gertrude, and Hamlet is forced to avenge his father’s death while contemplating his own existence. Through the Seussified version, the themes are present and delivered in a gentler tone than Shakespeare’s original.

The cast and crew will perform four additional daytime performances for students from area elementary and middle schools on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and Thursday, Sept. 18.

Director Erik Uppling answered some questions about the production.

Q. Why did you choose “Hamlet Hears a Who” for Lake Park High School's fall play?

A. To begin with, I am super excited to finally get a chance to direct the children’s show. I had the opportunity to direct, but that was during the pandemic, and we never did fully produce that show for an audience.

I have been looking forward to this for some time. I landed on “Hamlet Hears a Who” for many reasons. I consider this show to be like a Reese’s peanut butter cup — two great things that go great together (peanut butter and chocolate).

Regarding this show, it is Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss. I have always been fond of Seuss from a little kid, and as an adult, Shakespeare is my favorite playwright. I have directed many Dr. Seuss shows for summer camps, and now, at this level, I can finally produce Seuss and Shakespeare.

Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.

A. Well, the plot, even though it has been Seussified, is still the same plot from Shakespeare’s play: King of Denmark dies mysteriously. His son, Hamlet, is met by the ghost of his father where it is revealed he was murdered by his own brother. Meanwhile, his brother marries the grieving widow, Queen Gertrude, and Hamlet is forced to avenge his father’s death while contemplating his own existence. These themes and scenarios still exist in this version, just not as heavy.

Q. How many students are involved with the production?

A. There are 17 students in this cast.

Q. How will your play differ from the original?

A. Shakespeare’s original play has been “Seussified,” meaning every character speaks in rhyming couplets. The original themes of murder, suicide, and revenge have been lightened up quite a bit.

It is hard to produce Hamlet and not discuss these themes. Through the Seussified version, the themes are present and delivered in a gentler tone than Shakespeare’s original.

Q. What were the most challenging aspects of getting this production together?

A. The students would laugh at me that THIS is my response to this question, but the most challenging part of this process has been the rhyming couplets.

After spending a few minutes of rehearsal hearing them run lines and scenes, I found myself thinking in rhyming couplets. I found myself giving notes and direction in a rhyming couplet.

As fun as that sounds, I was surprised how much it had control of me. The kids and I would laugh when I spoke to them in rhyming couplets. I was quite impressed with this new form of communication — I may even try to bring it into the classroom.

Q. What did you find most rewarding?

A. There comes a time in a rehearsal when I can step back and watch the community come together, and for this project, it is simply amazing.

Just the other day I stepped back and watched as a number of students were discussing sound cues and lights; actors exploring the scene we just blocked and making sure they have their blocking down; crew kids bringing walls and doorways on stage; crew kids finding and loading up our props table — all this happening at the same time.

It is the community of theater, all these kids working together, that I always find the most rewarding.

Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?

A. When the design elements start to get shared with me — I love it. When I see actors in their costumes for the first time; when a student in the booth plays a sound cue I haven’t heard or runs something by me to see if I like something new; when the stage lights come on and all design elements are on display — these are a few of my favorite things!

Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?

A. Audiences will enjoy the Seussified dialogue. It is quite incredible what these kids are doing with the language. I think audiences will also enjoy how much fun the actors are having on stage.

Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?

A. We hope that our audiences enjoy this brilliant mashup of William Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss. To me, they are two great things that go great together!