For Immediate Release

Long before he won an Oscar for co-writing "Shakespeare in Love," playwright Tom Stoppard twisted the Bard's signature tragedy, "Hamlet," into a wickedly funny comedy with "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," the opening show of the King of Prussia Players' 2004-2005 season.

The events of "Hamlet" are viewed from the skewed perspective of two minor players, Rosencrantz (Rose Petrecz) and Guildenstern (Christopher Joseph DeWitt). The hapless companions spend their time flipping coins and pondering life's mysteries until they're unwittingly drawn into the competing schemes of Hamlet (Kenneth J. Roberts) and Claudius (David Ben Leavitt) to do each other in and claim the throne of Denmark.

Other familiar faces pop in to play their parts, including the ill-fated Ophelia (Roseann Jamelli), long-winded Polonius (Andrew Maksymowych), stalwart Horatio (Ray Engler) and confused Gertrude (Robin Neill). They spout Shakespeare's lines---as do Rosencrantz and Guildenstern whenever their fellow characters are around. But the doomed duo's private asides turn the classic drama into an absurdist comedy full of sharp wit and sharp swords.

"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" will be performed by the King of Prussia Players Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11 at 8pm at Upper Merion Area High School, Crossfield Road, King of Prussia. Tickets are available at the door, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 12 and under. For more information, visit the Players' Web site at www.kofpplayers.org or call (610) 277-9505.