November theatre picks: ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Two Rooms’

The Charlotte theatre scene is pulsing in November. Theatre Charlotte’s “Dracula” keeps the blood pumping through November 15. And if that doesn’t scratch your itch, UNC Charlotte is presenting “Hamlet” with the rarely performed original 1603 Quatro 1.

Hamlet’s Quatro 1 (Q1) was followed quickly by what is known as the Q2 in 1604 and later the First Folio in 1623. The Q1 text disappeared and was totally forgotten for two centuries until it was discovered in 1823 in an English manor house.

Now for most of us that aren’t scholars of the ‘ole Bard, this original Quatro 1 has some changes from the script you typically see on stage and film. UNC Charlotte’s performance of “Hamlet” is a part of their final year of the “36 in 6 Project,” an endeavor to tackle 36 Shakespearian plays in six years with presentations ranging from lectures to full-blown performances.

I’ll be there, will you?

Agenda Picks

• “Hamlet” presented by UNC Charlotte at the Black Box Theatre. Should be a super interesting ride on one of the old Bard’s ships. Tickets $12-$18. Go.
• “Two Rooms” presented by Three Bone Theatre at Upstage. This play cuts deep with current events. A hostage, a terrorist, a wife, a startling conclusion. Tickets $16-$18. Go.

Charlotte

• “Dracula” presented by Theatre Charlotte. Now through November 15. Tickets $12-$27. Go.
• “Bad Jew” presented by Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. Now through November 14. Tickets $16.50. Go.
• “Grounded” presented by FroShow Productions at Studio 1212. November 5-14. Tickets $20. Go.

• “The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged).” November 5-7 at Booth Playhouse. Tickets $20+. Go. 

• “Birds of a Feather” presented by Queen City Theatre Company at Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square. November 5-14. Tickets $23-$25. Go.

• “Twelfth Night” presented by Queens Theatre Production at Queens University. November 12-15. Tickets $5.50-$11. Go.
• “Ragtime the Musical” presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts. November 30-December 3. Tickets $25.50-$84. Go.

For the kids (of all ages)

• “The Commedia Princess and the Pea” presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. November 14-22. Tickets $15-$20. Go.

A little bit north

• “The Rocky Horror Show” presented by Lee Street Theatre. Now through November 7. Tickets $20. Go.

A little bit south:

• “Waiting Room” presented by Rock Hill Community Theatre. November 13-22. Tickets $12-$15. Go.