Raoul Bhaneja finds something rotten in the state of Denmark as "Hamlet {solo}" opens Nov. 30

Raoul Bhaneja as Hamlet. Photo Credit: Andrew Kenneth Martin.

BIG ARTS always brings in some interesting acts.  They previously brought in ""A Couple of Blaguards" and actress Miriam Margolyes. This year, it is Canadian actor Raoul Bhaneja getting to the bottom of what, exactly, is rotten in the state of Denmark, in "Hamlet {solo}."

The show runs Nov. 30 - Dec. 5. Here's a line from the press release - but it actually nails the essence of the show: "'Hamlet {solo}' focuses on three most essential elements of theatre: the actor, the text and the audience."

Tickets to "Hamlet {solo}" are $35. Tickets for children under 17 and students with valid ID are just $5. Group discounts and various subscription packages available. Purchase online at BIGARTS.org, call the BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at 239-395-0900, the Herb Strauss Theater Box Office at (239) 472-6862 and at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Complete press release below.

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Hamlet {solo} Premieres at BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater November 30
One Actor + 17 Roles = Critically Acclaimed Production
 
Sanibel, FL (November 15, 2013) – BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater will present the internationally-acclaimed Hamlet {solo} November 30 through December 5. The unique retelling of the classic Shakespeare play features Raoul Bhaneja performing all 17 roles himself.

Called "enthralling" by Backstage , the award-winning actor deftly conveys the characters as the plot twists and turns though a storyline filled with murder, revenge and the quest for the throne of Denmark. A global sensation, Hamlet {solo} focuses on three most essential elements of theatre: the actor, the text and the audience.

Shakespeare Globe International Member Raoul Bhaneja is a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada and he may be most familiar to American audiences for his continuing roles on the U.S. television series Runaway and The Dresden Files. In addition to appearing opposite Michael Douglas in the film, The Sentinel, Bhaneja was also the subject of a BRAVO TV documentary feature  directed by Jeff Stephenson which  followed the development of  Hamlet {solo} from 2000 until the present. The documentary also features interviews with actors Colm Feore, Brent Carver, John Neville and Christopher Plummer.

Produced by the Hope and Hell Theatre in association with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd., Hamlet {solo} premieres at the Herb Strauss on Saturday, November 30, with a 7 p.m. opening night reception before the curtains go up at 8 p.m.  The show will be performed at 8 p.m. on Monday, December 2; Tuesday, December 3; Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5, 2013.  There will also be a 4 p.m. Twilight Show on Sunday, December 1, which is a new show time this season.

Hamlet {solo} kicks off a full season of professional productions and theater enthusiasts may want to take advantage of the Herb Strauss Theater Opening Nights special ticket package featuring one adult ticket to all six opening night shows for just $200, a savings of more than 15%.

All of the opening night performances at the Herb Strauss Theater also include a pre-show reception from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adding even more value to the excitement of the opening nights, the Starfish Grille has signed on as a marketing partner for the 2013-2104 season and will provide the catering for all of the opening night pre-performance receptions at Herb Strauss Theater. In addition, the Starfish Grille is also offering a complimentary dessert at the restaurant when you present your Herb Strauss Theater ticket envelope from any performance of the 2013-2014 season.

Tickets to Hamlet {solo} are $35 for adults and tickets to all Herb Strauss Theater performances are only $5 each for students with valid student ID as well as for children 17 and under. Series sampler subscriptions, special discount packages and individual tickets for 2013-2014 season are on sale now. Groups of ten or more may be eligible for additional discounts. New discounts for BIG ARTS’ 35th anniversary season include A Welcome Back Snow Birds Special with an extra 10% off select BIG ARTS and Herb Strauss Theater packages and individual tickets. Tickets may be purchased online at BIGARTS.org, by calling BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at 239-395-0900 or Herb Strauss Theater Box Office (239) 472-6862 and at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

A non-profit 501(c)3 organization, programming at BIG ARTS is made possible through the generous support of more than 300 dedicated volunteers  and donors as well as individual and corporate sponsors, including Herb Strauss Theater Season Sponsor, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company.