What happens when the dead travel from purgatory to heaven or perhaps from purgatory to hell? In When Churchyards Yawn, we learn what happens when the characters from Hamlet attempt to come together and set their differences aside to find their way to heaven or be banished to hell, forever. 

~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~

What is When Churchyards Yawn

Twenty years after the characters in Hamlet die, they find themselves in Purgatory; this is a place none of them want to be, but how do they escape? 

The good news is that there is a way out and a guide to help them find their way.. The bad news is that they all need to set their differences aside and find a way to forgive each other, and God is watching.

When Churchyards Yawn is a comedy but also a very dramatic play with a lot of emotional energy.

The Performances

The cast of ten is perfect for this fast-paced, dramatic comedy. The actors bring these historical characters to life as they work out the problems of the character’s past. 

Truly an ensemble cast, the actors of When Churchyards Yawn breathe life into the long-dead characters of Hamlet. There are times when the characters are at each other’s throats and other times expressing the love that perhaps the characters of Hamlet had for each other. 

I found myself so captivated by the characters that the cast created that I was rooting for their triumphant entrance into heaven, and when at the end, they.. wait ..you will have to see the play to find out if the characters of Hamlet make it to heaven for yourself.

Here are some photos from When Churchyards Yawn

When Churchyards Yawn, a Workshop Performance

When Churchyards Yawn may be in some ways still a work in process hence being labeled “A Worksop Performance,” but from the audience’s point of view, it is a polished work, worthy of more. 

The story is tight, well-written, and engaging, and Jeanmarie Simpson is a talented writer who has created something special.

Why see When Churchyards Yawn

Here are a few reasons to see When Churchyards Yawn.

If you are a fan of Hamlet, you must find out how the characters resolve all of the ill-will in that dramatically funny story.

If you have never seen Hamlet and want a taste of the classic characters.

If you want an entertaining evening with a few laughs, you will want to see When Churchyards Yawn.

Performance Dates

March 10, 11, 15 (PWYC), 16, 17, 18, 22 (A), 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 pm

SATURDAY Matinees: March 11, 18, 25* @ 2:00 pm 2023 

For Tickets and more information, go to: www.bruka.org

Reno Arts News wants to thank ZenMedia for their continued support of this labor of love. Take a moment and check out what Zenmedia can do to help your business thrive as we enter 2023.

Reno Arts News is here to help support the Reno Arts Community, but we can also use your support. Contact us to find out more about advertising with us.

Contact Us