The 44-year-old Cumpsty's casting in the Shakespeare play was announced in recent weeks. He's the respected classical and popular actor who had appeared in Broadway's Copenhagen, Democracy, Enchanted April, Electra, 1776, 42nd Street and The Constant Wife. His work as the Melancholy Dane begins Nov. 2 at CSC's home on East 13th Street. CSC artistic director Brian Kulick will direct the production. Kulick directed Cumpsty in the New York Shakespeare Festival production of Timon of Athens. The official opening for Hamlet is Nov. 13 at 7 PM. Performances play to Dec. 11.

The creative team includes scenic designer Mark Wendland; costume designer Oana Botez-Ban, lighting designer Brian Scott and sound designer Jorge Muelle.

CSC, which is beginning its 38th season, is "committed to re-imagining the classical repertory for a contemporary American audience." For more information, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200, or visit www.classicstage.org.