Promising production of "Hamlet" opens in Tampa

   It's William Shakespeare's birthday -- he'd be 449 today -- and two of Tampa's best theater company are finishing up rehearsals for what may be Shakespeare's best play.

Holloway as Hamlet

   Tampa Repertory Theatre, a young company that has staged several of phenomenal shows and no bad ones, and Hat Trick Theatre, a solid company that has just returned to Tampa after relocating for a few years, are teaming up to open "Hamlet" on Thursday.
   It's directed by C. David Frankel, the artistic director of Tampa Rep. Jack Holloway, a fine actor and the artistic director of Hat Trick, plays Hamlet. Ned Averill-Snell, who is perhaps the finest actor in Tampa, is Claudius, and Steve Mountan, who is also among the  Tampa Bay area's acting elite, is Polonius.
   Every indication is that this will be something really special, and well worth the drive to Tampa for anyone who loves theater.
   It runs through May 12 at the Hillsborough Community College Studio Theatre, 1304 E. 11th Ave., Tampa (at the corner of Palm Avenue and Avenida Republica de Cuba in Ybor City). 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. $20 general, $15 students, military and seniors. www.tamprep.org.