Waterston and Ambrose Replace Easton and Rabe in Central Park Hamlet

The Public Theater has completed casting for its upcoming production of Hamlet, which will begin previews May 27 and open June 17 at the Delacorte Theater as the opener for Shakespeare in the Park's 2008 season, with closing set for June 29. Oskar Eustis will direct.

Sam Waterston, who played Hamlet in the Public Theater's last Central Park mounting of the show 33 years ago, will play Polonius, replacing the previously announced Richard Easton. Lauren Ambrose, who played Juliet at the Delacorte in last season's Romeo and Juliet, will be Ophelia, replacing the previously announced Lily Rabe. Both Easton and Rabe have become unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, according to the Public.

Waterston and Ambrose will join Michael Stuhlbarg as Hamlet, Andre Braugher as Claudius, Kevin Carroll as Horatio, Margaret Colin as Gertrude, David Harbour as Laertes, Hoon Lee as Rosencrantz, Piter Marek as Bernardo and Fortinbras, Greg McFadden as Guildenstern, Julio Monge as Osric and Francisco, Paul O'Brien as Voltemand and Priest, Gilbert Owuor as Marcellus, Jay O. Sanders as Ghost and Player King, Miriam Silverman as Player Queen, and Christopher Bonewitz, Matt Carlson and Stephen James King in the ensemble.

Waterston was nominated for a Tony in 1994 for his performance in the revival of Abe Lincoln in Illinois.. Additional Broadway credits include A Walk in the Woods, Benefactors, Lunch Hour and A Doll's House. Off-Broadway performances include Much Ado About Nothing, Love Letter, Three Sisters and Chez Nous, as well as Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing at The Delecorte Theatre. Waterson is best known as Jack McCoy on the TV series Law and Order and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. He was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award in 1985 for the film The Killing Fields.

Ambrose has appeared on Broadway in the 2006 revival of Awake and Sing!. Off-Broadway credits include Soulful Scream of a Chosen Son and Romeo and Juliet at the Delacorte. She is best known for her Emmy Award nominated performance on the HBO ensemble drama Six Feet Under. Additional credits include Law & Order and Party of Five, as well as the films In and Out, Can't Hardly Wait and Pyscho Beach Party.

Hamletwill feature scenic design by David Korins; costume design by Ann Hould-Ward; lighting design by Michael Chybowski; and sound design by Acme Sound Partners. Hamlet will feature scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting design by Michael Chybowski and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.