Maurice Jones Replaces Raúl Esparza in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Hamlet

Performances begin April 17 in the Courtyard Theater.

Maurice Jones has replaced the previously announced Tony nominee Raúl Esparza in the title role of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s spring presentation of Hamlet. Esparza withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.

Staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, the production is scheduled for April 17-June 9 in the Courtyard Theater.

Jones's Broadway credits include the recent The Lifespan of a Fact, Saint Joan, The Cherry Orchard, and two other Shakespeare titles: Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar.

Joining Jones in the Hamlet company are Karen Aldridge as Gertrude, Timothy Decker as Claudius, Larry Yando as Polonius, Sean Allan Krill as Horatio, Paul Deo, Jr. as Laertes, Rachel Nicks as Ophelia, Mike Nussbaum as Gravedigger, Greg Vinkler as Gravedigger/Player King, Kevin Gudahl as Osric, Alex Goodrich as Rosencrantz, Samuel Taylor as Guildenstern, Sarah Chalcroft as Voltemand/Player Queen, Callie Johnson as Reynalda, and Drew Shirley as Barnardo, as well as ensemble members Al'Jaleel McGhee and Sam Pearson.

The creative team also includes scenic designer Scott Davis, costume designer Susan E. Mickey, lighting designer Robert Wierzel, sound designer Lindsay Jones, projection designer Mike Tutaj, wig and makeup designer Richard Jarvie, and fight choreographer Matt Hawkins. Tyrone Phillips is the production’s associate director.

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