I Hate Hamlet

by Paul Rudnick

Andrew Rally seems to have it all: celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. There are, however, a couple of glitches in paradise. Andrew’s series has been canceled; his girlfriend is clinging to her virginity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet. When Andrew’s agent visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew’s apartment. This prompts a séance to summon his ghost. From the moment Barrymore returns, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew’s life is no longer his own. Barrymore, fortified by champagne and ego, presses Andrew to accept the part and fulfill his actor’s destiny. The action becomes more hilarious with the entrance of Andrew’s deal-making friend from LA, spouting the laid-back hype of the Coast and offering Andrew a fabulous new TV deal worth millions of dollars. The laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and the fact that he fails as Hamlet in Central Park.

Performance dates:

November 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2021

Location:

Sonny’s Place, 348 Main St, Somers, CT 06071

Cast

  • Felicia Dantine – Monica Newcity
  • Andrew Rally – Daniel Viets
  • Deirdre McDavey – Christine Zdebski
  • Lillian Troy – Barbara Gallow
  • John Barrymore – Rick Malone
  • Gary Peter Lefkowitz – David Adam

Crew

  • Directed by David Crowell & Cheryl Zdebski
  • Produced by Doug Stoyer & David Crowell
  • Stage Manager – Stephanie Zdebski
  • House Managers – Regina Erpenbeck & Cheryl Zdebski
  • Set Design & Decor – Franc Aguas
  • Lights & Sound – Johnny Zdebski
  • Technical Assistance – Erin Chaffee
  • Costumes & Props – Cheryl Zdebski
  • Set Construction – Erin Chaffee, Franc Aguas, Anne Morrisette, Justin Martin
  • Program – Shirley Warner
  • Photography – David Crowell
  • Cover Design – Jennifer Domer Schuetz

I Hate Hamlet is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.