LEWISTON — If “Hamlet” is not at the top of your must-see list of theatrical choices this summer, there are plenty of good reasons why it should be.

Out of the Box Theater is presenting an exciting and totally enjoyable production of William Shakespeare’s masterpiece in the 50-seat space of DownStage at L/A Arts. Remaining performances are scheduled for Aug. 11-13.

The audience at the show’s opening night on Aug. 4 ranged from youngsters of middle-school age to senior citizens, and this excellent production kept them enthralled from beginning to end.

Director Linda Britt, a founder of OOTB, adheres to all the essentials required for a time-honored presentation of “Hamlet.” This production is an abridged version by Britt and Mark Hazard, a scholar of Medieval literature who served as dramaturge and also plays Claudius. They condensed the original five acts that can run more than four hours to somewhat over two hours with two acts and a single intermission. The play’s signature speeches are retained.

Michael Litchfield gives an outstanding portrayal of Hamlet. He has become a favorite of local audiences in many musical comedy roles and as the Prince of Denmark, he demonstrates his outstanding dramatic talent. His extensive stage experience includes work in New York and London.

The passion of Litchfield’s characterization builds at an appropriate pace as Hamlet realizes that revenge for his father’s murder is inevitable. The tragic circumstances push Hamlet into unbearable grief as well as seething rage that leads to an action-filled climax.

Ellen Peters plays Ophelia, Hamlet’s love interest, and the scenes of her descent into insanity are both powerful and poignant. Her madness is brought on by the accidental death of her father, Polonius, at the hand of Hamlet. Her dialogue set to music is beautifully mesmerizing.

Peters played the lead in OOTB’s award-winning production of “Medea.” According to the program notes for “Hamlet,” Peters and her family will move later this summer to Tacoma, Wash., where she will work at the University of Puget Sound.

John Blanchette, another veteran of local theater, is delightful in the comic role of Polonius, whose senior-citizen moments and talkative nature have a charming modern familiarity.

Mark Hazard gives an understated but menacing portrayal of Claudius, the killer of his brother, the old King of Denmark, usurper of the thrown and husband to Hamlet’s mother, Queen Gertrude, who is portrayed with skill by Cheryl Reynolds. Hazard’s work as dramaturge for this production made a significant mark in its flow and understandability for the audience.

The ghost of the old king is played by Harley Marshall, who has theatrical credits Off-Broadway and in the Midwest. The ghost is mostly a silent role, but his dialogue later in the play is key to the plot.

Mention of the ghost also requires special commendation for another element of the production’s success. Stan Spilecki, co-founder of OOTB with Britt, designed a set for “Hamlet” that places the audience inside the castle’s walls, and his lighting is outstanding, allowing the ghost to appear and disappear from darkened niches of the castle’s stonework.

Spilecki is also responsible for the combat choreography that puts some realistic swordplay right in front of audience seating.

Other roles in OOTB’s “Hamlet” also deserve praise. They include Ryan Adair as Horatio, Hamlet’s trusted friend; and Paul Menezes as Laertes, Ophelia’s brother who seeks revenge against Hamlet.

Jason Pelletier has a short but well-done and memorable appearance as the gravedigger.

Rachel Spilecki appears as Guildenstern, Jackie McDonald as Rosencrantz/Bernardo, Gerry Therrien as Marcellus/Osrick, and Michelle Washburn as a messenger/sailor.

Costumes by Susan Brown also are very well done. The queen’s gown is elegant and the Elizabethan style of doublet and shirt with loose sleeve is used effectively, together with jeans and modern shoes that do not seem at all out of place.

Remaining shows

WHAT: “Hamlet”

WHO: Out of the Box Theater

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11, 12 and 13. No Sunday matinee.

WHERE: DownStage at L/A Arts, 5 Canal St. Alley, off Pine Street, Lewiston

TICKETS: $10, $12 at the door. Seating is limited. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.