Ruth Page Theater, Chicago
October 11 – December 8, 1996
Promotional photo, as Claudius with Lisa Dodson as Gertrude and Robert Petkoff as Hamlet (PHOTO: Jennifer Girard)
Sitting left, as Claudius witnessing Ophelia’s madness (PHOTO: Chicago Shakespeare Repertory)
As Claudius, looking on with Lisa Dodson as Gertrude, while Christopher Gerson as Laertes (left) and Robert Petkoff as Hamlet duel. (PHOTO: Liz Lauren)
Critical Response
“[A] well-spoken portrayal by Johnny Lee Davenport as the ‘smiling damned villain,’ Claudius.”
—Richard Christiansen, The Chicago Tribune (October 22, 1996)
“[Davenport, a] rather young Claudius is virile, imposing and imbued with confidence. He responds to Hamlet’s remarks and subtle accusations with such apparent confusion and dismay that someone unfamiliar with the story of Hamlet might believe Claudius innocent and the Ghost a devil.”
—Justin Shaltz, Shakespeare Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 2, Spring 1997