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OCTOBER 2-8, 2019 UCW 15
HamLIT shakes up Shakespeare
JENNA SHACKELFORD
EVENT
If you are a Shakespeare buff, you appreci-
ate a modern — and grown-up — twist on a
classic story or you are just looking for a fun
evening with friends and a chance to enjoy
some drinks, then Sweet Tea Shakespeare
has the show for you. e opening night of
"HamLIT" is Oct. 4. e play premiered at
the Fayetteville Dinner eatre, Sept. 27-28.
Unlike what one might typically expect
from a Shakespeare performance, STS
makes sure the attendees have a unique
and exciting time by immersing them in
the experience. "Sweet Tea is known for its
audience interaction and, with a LIT show,
we turn that up to 11, to use a Spinal Tap
reference," Nathan Pearce, one of the show's
three directors, said.
Be prepared — STS will keep the audience
on their toes. "ey should get ready to be
in the middle of the action. Audiences will
be seated on three sides of the stage, with the ma-
jority of the action happening right in the middle of
them. Occasionally, actors will even walk amongst
the audience to really give them the sense that they
are part of the story and not just watching it unfold,"
Pearce said.
To keep with the "LIT" theme, craft beer, wine,
Winterbloom tea and a special cocktail will be avail-
able for purchase at the show. Outside food and
drinks are not permitted.
"'HamLIT' aims to bring more of the subdued
humor to the surface while also adding even more
in the form of the drinking games, improv comedy
and audience participation," Pearce explained.
By cutting down the classic Shakespearean play
"Hamlet" to the bare bones storyline and adding in
some games and improv, STS creates a theatrical
frat party that you would think was organized by
Will Shakespeare himself. "We want to bring that
random, crazy atmosphere to each performance,"
said Pearce.
One of the highlights of "HamLIT" is that
the performers feed off of the audience's
reactions. "My favorite part is how much fun
we as performers get to have with this show,"
said Pearce.
"Also, I love that each show is different. Since
we rely on improv throughout the show, each
performance has something new. at's why
we offer so many opportunities for people
to see 'HamLIT.'" Offering numerous perfor-
mances across several venues, the audience
will never see the same show twice.
STS understandably describes its adult-
only show as "bold and irreverent," offering
tragedy, comedy, improv and a quirky and
unusual theatrical performance that attend-
ees will not forget.
"HamLIT" will be at the Arts Council from
Oct. 4-Nov. 1. STS will also perform the show
on Oct. 10 at Dirtbag Ales, from Oct. 11-26 at
Paddy's and from Oct. 18-Nov. 9 at Hugger Mugger.
To learn more about buying tickets and the
different venues, visit http://www.sweetteashake-
speare.com/
October 5, 2019 9am-2pm
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Fayetteville, NC
910.486.0221
Capefearbg.org
Garden Members receive Free Admission.
Non-Members receive reduced admission.
Sweet Tea Shakespeare's HamLIT opens Oct. 4. Photo credit: Ben Walton
JENNA SHACKELFORD, Assistant
Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom-
ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200.
