Classics on the Rocks

Classics on the Rocks We strive to bring the story and the words of plays we perform to life in a fun, accessible way. It’s just classics, served simply… on the rocks.

You won’t find exotic conceptual treatments or dreamy modern adaptations of the works here. Classics on the Rocks is an ensemble acting company that performs classical theater that is intimate and accessible to modern audiences. We focus on telling the story simply using not much more than the words of the play. In other words, it’s classical theatre you can understand. Our mission is to engage actors, performers, and lovers of the arts to join us in this world of play. To share with our community, through face to face theatrical communication, the beautiful words, timeless stories, and engaging characters that make classical theatre just so… well… classic. As Peter O’Toole once said…

“Bare boards and a passion.”

Three sold out shows.13 incredible actors.1 unforgettable production of Hamlet.It’s nearly impossible to choose only 20 ...
07/26/2026

Three sold out shows.
13 incredible actors.
1 unforgettable production of Hamlet.

It’s nearly impossible to choose only 20 photos to share from this week, so here is a collection—in no particular order—of just a few of our favorites.

To everyone who joined us—thank you. Thank you for spending your evenings with us, for laughing, leaning in, and sharing this story with us. Live theatre only exists because of the people willing to gather in a room together, and we’re so grateful you chose to be part of ours.

As Shakespeare wrote, “I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks.”

Until next time. ❤️🎭

📸: Sharon Stevens DeBeauchamp

One family. Three very different paths.Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia all believe they're trying to protect the people t...
07/12/2026

One family. Three very different paths.
Polonius, Laertes, and Ophelia all believe they're trying to protect the people they love—but in Elsinore, even the best intentions can have devastating consequences.

Swipe through to meet the actors behind the House of Polonius and discover what surprised them most about these unforgettable characters.

Which member of this family do you sympathize with the most?

Hamlet
📅 July 23–25
🎟️ Tickets here: https://classicsontherocks.simpletix.com

Every kingdom is shaped by the people who sit closest to the throne.Meet the actors bringing Hamlet, Gertrude, and Claud...
07/11/2026

Every kingdom is shaped by the people who sit closest to the throne.

Meet the actors bringing Hamlet, Gertrude, and Claudius to life in our production of Hamlet. Their reflections reveal the humor, guilt, resilience, and impossible choices hiding beneath three of Shakespeare’s most recognizable characters.

Swipe through to meet the artists behind Denmark’s royal family.

👑 Who has always been the most fascinating member of the royal family to you?

Hamlet
📅 July 23–25
🎟️ Tickets here: https://classicsontherocks.simpletix.com

We’re excited to introduce the cast of Hamlet! We’re only 3 rehearsals in and it’s clear this is an all-star cast. 🤩Haml...
06/10/2026

We’re excited to introduce the cast of Hamlet! We’re only 3 rehearsals in and it’s clear this is an all-star cast. 🤩

Hamlet is the quintessential story of grief, revenge, and the search for truth. Join us in NYC - July 23, 24, and 25! 🎟️ Tickets on sale now: https://classicsontherocks.simpletix.com

Meet the Cast
Hamlet — Emerson Helmbrecht
Claudius — William Downes
Gertrude — Tabby Bradley
Polonius — John St. Croix
Laertes — Corbin Puryear
Ophelia — Lauren Landman
Horatio — Hannah Mary Keller
Barnardo / Messenger / Gravedigger 2 / Reynaldo — Melina Rabin
Francisco / Lucianus / Osric / Voltimund / Sailor / Priest / Prologue — Patrick Taaffe
Marcellus / Gravedigger 1 / Player Queen — Abigail McBride
Ghost / Player King / Fortinbras / Cornelius — Aubree Chanel Dixon
Rosencrantz — Owen Bird
Guildenstern — Megan Moran

Creative Team
William Downes — Co-Director
Karl Hawkins — Co-Director
Christelly Encarnacion — Stage Manager
Victoria Gomez — Associate Director, Voice & Speech
John M. McKoll — Fight & Intimacy Director
Sharon Stevens — Managing Director

“This is the poison of deep grief.”Mark your calendars, Classics on the Rocks returns this summer with an intimate new p...
05/31/2026

“This is the poison of deep grief.”

Mark your calendars, Classics on the Rocks returns this summer with an intimate new production of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Set inside a world where everyone is watching, and everyone is performing this Hamlet explores mortality, memory, and the masks we wear to survive.

🗓️ July 23–25, 7pm
📍 Actor’s Theatre Workshop, 145 W. 28th St. NYC
🎟 Tickets here: https://classicsontherocks.simpletix.com

05/13/2026

With Shakespeare's plays collected, John Hemminges and Henry Condell set out to do the unthinkable - print the complete works of William Shakespeare in the First Folio and preserve his legacy. In this episode we talk about the twists and turns the printing of the First Folio took.

Summer season starts now!!!
05/04/2026

Summer season starts now!!!



Shakesday is back 🎭✨Join us Friday, April 24th for Shakesday: Shakespeare’s Family Album—a one-night-only celebration of...
04/07/2026

Shakesday is back 🎭✨

Join us Friday, April 24th for Shakesday: Shakespeare’s Family Album—a one-night-only celebration of the Bard’s birthday, told through the families that define his most unforgettable stories.

From sibling rivalries to fierce parental love (and everything in between), this fast-paced performance weaves together comedy, drama, and iconic monologues from across the canon—plus a special teaser from our summer production of…. Hamlet! 👀

🍷 Complimentary wine
🧁 Cupcakes
🎭 45–50 minutes of live performance
⚡ A high-energy cast bringing it all together in record time
📅 Friday, April 24
⏰ 7PM curtain

Come raise a glass, grab a cupcake, and flip through Shakespeare’s family album with us.

🎟️ Ticket link in bio.

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