Theater: “Hamlet” starring Oscar Isaac (from 2017)

(Still the one to beat)

A production of "Hamlet" is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.  But if it's directed by Sam Gold, you know it's going to be original and eventually, breathtaking.

Chief ally in Sam's vision is Oscar Isaac--whom I've admired since "Inside Llewyn Davis." His Hamlet is raw--he rants, pummels, fences, jokes, runs around in his undies, and performs with an intensity I've not seen since the young Al Pacino. (Or even, dare i whisper in the same breath, the youngish Sir Laurence Olivier. There. I Just did.)

The production, at the Public, is ver

y youthful, contemporary, almost millennial in its interpretation of Will. If you can get past that (it took me a while), you'll love it. With the regal Charlayne Woodward as Gertrude and the new "it" guy, Keegan-Michael Key, as Horacio. Closing this week. Goodnight sweet prince. (Sunday)