If I haven't made it abundantly clear in the past, I think Hamlet is the greatest piece of dramatic literature ever written, its only competition being the Biblical book of Job. (It's a musical. I promise. Look it up.) It's also one of the most intimidating works in the canon, wrapping themes as heady as divine intervention and the meaning of life into a pulpy adventure with swordfights, pirates and ghosts. After a stellar production of As You Like It last spring, director James Van Leishout must've felt his burgeoning South Puget Sound Community College actors were up to Shakespeare's challenge. I disagree but think some high notes get hit along the way.

Read Christian Carvajal's full review of Hamlet in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HAMLET, THROUGH MARCH 3, 8 P.M. THURSDAY-SATURDAY, 2 P.M. SUNDAY, $10-$15, 2011 MOTTMAN ROAD SW, OLYMPIA, 360.753.8586