Michetti's Dane

I blogged a bit last summer over the plethora of "Hamlets" in the Southland. Sue me. Whenever any major company takes on that particular Everest, I find it notable.

Which brings me to Glendale's A Noise Within, which will open its 08-09 season Sept. 27 with "Hamlet."

And the lucky guy who gets to duel, carry a skull, act mad and recite far too many speeches is...Freddy Douglas who played Prince Hal in ANW's "Henry 4, Part 1" last season. He's worked quite a bit in England as well. Oh, and in addition to playing Hamlet, he's also going to play the Ghost of Hamlet's Father. Don't know how that's to be pulled off since the two characters converse with each other.

Pretty good cast that director Michael Michetti -- usually a very interesting director -- has assembled. Of course you've got your A Noise Within company members like Deborah Strang (Gertrude) and Mark Bramhall (the first player). Throw in Tony Abatemarco (Polonius), Francois Giroday (Claudius), Dorothea Harahan (Ophelia) and Matthew Jaeger, and that figures to be a cast to be reckoned with.

"Hamlet" opens Sept. 27 and runs in rep through Dec. 7. www.anoisewithin.org. (818) 240-0910.