By Theresa Rebeck, Directed by Donna Feore

THE BROADWAY SENSATION
A "smart, breezy backstage comedy"
– Chicago Sun-Times

Sept 14 - Oct 20, 2019 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission

“It is delightful to undress a man, and find a woman inside." - Edmond, Act I, Scene ii

High humor and human drama collide in a rollicking comedy “so clever it uplifts, so timely it hurts” (The New York Times). In 1899, legendary leading lady Sarah Bernhardt’s decision to assume the title role of Shakespeare’s Hamlet left critics and patriarchs aghast and indignant. Laced with forbidden romance and backstage gossip, this behind-the-scenes look at Bernhardt’s most ambitious role is a “dynamic character study” (Variety) of one of the most famous actresses—and infamous divas—in the world.

Bernhardt/Hamlet | "To be, or not to be" Trailer

The Actress & The Artist: Sarah Bernhardt and Alphonse Mucha

Audiences on Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Watch a special teaser for Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Director Donna Feore shares a preview of Bernhardt/Hamlet

Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Volen Iliev (Ensemble), Amira Danan (Ensemble), Amanda Drinkall (Lysette), Larry Yando (Constant Coquelin), Park Krausen (Ensemble) and Travis Turner (Francois) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

William Dick (Louis) and John Tufts (Edmond Rostand) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Jennifer Latimore (Rosamond Gerard) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

John Tufts (Edmond Rostand) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Nate Cheeseman (Raoul), Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) and Travis Turner (Francois) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Luigi Sottile (Maurice Bernhardt) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Amanda Drinkall (Lysette) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Larry Yando (Constant Coquelin) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Gregory Linington (Alphonse Mucha) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Travis Turner (Francois) and Nate Cheeseman (Raoul) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Bernhardt/Hamlet | "To be, or not to be" Trailer

The Actress & The Artist: Sarah Bernhardt and Alphonse Mucha

Audiences on Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Watch a special teaser for Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Director Donna Feore shares a preview of Bernhardt/Hamlet

Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Volen Iliev (Ensemble), Amira Danan (Ensemble), Amanda Drinkall (Lysette), Larry Yando (Constant Coquelin), Park Krausen (Ensemble) and Travis Turner (Francois) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

William Dick (Louis) and John Tufts (Edmond Rostand) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Jennifer Latimore (Rosamond Gerard) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

John Tufts (Edmond Rostand) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Nate Cheeseman (Raoul), Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) and Travis Turner (Francois) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Luigi Sottile (Maurice Bernhardt) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Amanda Drinkall (Lysette) and Terri McMahon (Sarah Bernhardt) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Larry Yando (Constant Coquelin) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Gregory Linington (Alphonse Mucha) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

Travis Turner (Francois) and Nate Cheeseman (Raoul) in Bernhardt/Hamlet.

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Critical Praise

"Glorious"

- Chicago Reader
"A "Smart, breezy backstage comedy"

- Chicago Sun-Times
"A muscular comedy about a woman unbound"

- The New York Times
"Feore has crafted a richer production than the original"

- Chicago Tribune
"So clever it uplifts, so timely it hurts"

- The New York Times
"Never a dull moment...On my MUST SEE list"

- Around Town Chicago
"A love letter to the theater"

- The New York Times
"Larry Yando is...transcendent"

- Chicago Reader
A "breakneck backstage comedy"

- The New York Times
McMahon's "magnitude as a classical actress is a divine match for someone like Bernhardt"

- Newcity
"One of the most thrilling endings I've seen in years"

- The New York Times

Audience Response

Outstanding.

Olga P. via Facebook
Terri McMahon is brilliant as Sarah Bernhardt!

Sara O. via Facebook
This was an incredible performance!

Polly C. via Facebook
Bernhardt/Hamlet is a must-see!

Tom G. via Facebook
Fabulous show! Great acting, story, costumes and set, funny and quite relevant today!

Rosemary N. via Facebook
Awesome show! I want to go back!

David R. via Facebook

Artists

Theresa Rebeck Playwright
Donna Feore Director
Nate Cheeseman Raoul
Thomas J. Cox Ensemble
Amira Danan Ensemble
William Dick Louis
Amanda Drinkall Lysette
Volen Iliev Ensemble
Park Krausen Ensemble
Jennifer Latimore Rosamond Gerard
Gregory Linington Alphonse Mucha
Terri McMahon Sarah Bernhardt
Luigi Sottile Maurice Bernhardt
John Tufts Edmond Rostand
Travis Turner Francois
Larry Yando Constant Coquelin
Roderick Peeples Understudy
Alexander Quiñones Understudy
Narelle Sissons Set Design
Dana Osborne Costume Design
Robert Wierzel Lighting Design
Joanna Lynne Staub Sound Design
Briana J. Fahey Production Stage Manager
Nikki Blue Stage Manager
Adam Belcuore Casting
Neena Arndt Dramaturg
Kate DeVore Voice Consultant
Gaby Labotka Intimacy Consultant
Georgette Verdin Assistant Director

Talks & Events

Drinks & Discussion Events

Throughout the run

Enhance your theater-going experience with one of our Drinks & Discussion Series events! Stay after select performances for a Post-Show Discussion and a complimentary glass of wine, or come early to select performances for a PlayTalk Session and a complimentary glass of wine.

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