Lansing - There’s something special about Old Town Lansing. Maybe it’s the small businesses or its distinct architecture, but it was the perfect location for the debut of “Elsinore Follies” at the Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St.

The historic scene of the gallery is perfect for the play. Simplicity can sometimes steal the heart faster than elaboration.

The soft ethnic music bouncing off the rough edges of the gallery walls highlights the figures lacing the room.

The play’s simplistic manner was just enough to put the mind-set in the times of Shakespeare.

“Elsinore Follies” is a story about what really happens within the walls of Elsinore Castle, using familiar faces from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

The story is told from the perspective of the gravedigger, who sees lust as everyone’s ultimate enemy, including himself. The play is one of last works by Australian playwright Bill Warnock, who is also a social activist.

The gravedigger, played by Ben Sumrall, is outstanding, providing solid momentum for the production. For example, he turned a cemetery, of all places, into a happy scene - and that’s awesome.

As all the characters pass through this cemetery, the gravedigger convinces them it is their grave he is preparing. In turn the passersby tell him all their wrongdoings, hoping to justify their fate.

The queen, played by Laura Croff, of Elsinore Castle, is intimate with almost every male character in the play. Even the gravedigger is a recipient of her lust, which she uses to her discretion, creating more conflict.

Eventually the gravedigger becomes friends with Player King, played by Lamont Clegg. Together these two guys were all about expression and energy. Both characters face the repercussions of lust.

The cast provides the crowd with lots of laughs and although the audience was small, the cast received an applause equal to an group five times its size.

The play returns at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Creole Gallery. Tickets are $10 at the door.