Theater News

Maurice Jones to Replace Raúl Esparza in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Hamlet

Jones was most recently in the cast of ”The Lifespan of a Fact” and ”Saint Joan” on Broadway.

Maurice Jones will replace Raúl Esparza as Hamlet in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's upcoming new production of Shakespeare's play.
Maurice Jones will replace Raúl Esparza as Hamlet in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's upcoming new production of Shakespeare's play.
(© Tricia Baron)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has announced that Maurice Jones will step into the title role of the theater's upcoming production of Hamlet, staged by artistic director Barbara Gaines and running April 17-June 9. Jones, most recently in the casts of The Lifespan of a Fact and Saint Joan on Broadway, will replace Raúl Esparza, who has had to withdraw from the production because of scheduling conflicts.

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

Joining Gaines on the Hamlet creative team are scenic designer Scott Davis, costume designer Susan E. Mickey, lighting designer Robert Wierzel, sound designer Lindsay Jones, projection designer Mike Tutaj, and wig and make-up designer Richard Jarvie. Tyrone Phillips will serve as the production's associate director.