I Hate Hamlet

By Paul Rudnick

Directed by Francisco Torres

A dramatic comedy about fame, love, duty and whether anyone still cares about Shakespeare.

Television star Andrew Rally seems to have it all. Fame. Celebrity. A beautiful girlfriend. The perfect New York apartment. And, what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play Hamlet in Central Park.

Only, things aren't as perfect as they seem. Andrew's hit television series has been canceled. His girlfriend is committed to "saving herself" until marriage. And, to top it off, he hates Hamlet ... the part, the play, everything about it.

Worried about his career, and unsure of his talents as a stage actor, Andrew doesn't know what to do. His girlfriend wants him to be the romantic hero of the stage. His Hollywood friend wants him to pursue a lucrative TV deal. And, help ends up coming from a most unlikely source when the ghost of famed Shakespearean actor John Barrymore makes a grand appearance.

From the moment Barrymore returns from the dead, Andrew's life is no longer his own to control. Bolstered by their egos (and perhaps a bit of champagne), the two actors engage in a wildly funny duel over everything from women, love, success, duty, television ... and the fact Andrew is failing as Hamlet.

Produced by Sun Prairie Civic Theatre at Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School (The Old High School), 220 Kroncke Drive, Sun Prairie

Performances: January 21-30, 2022

Performance Times:
January 21 at 7:30 p.m.
January 22 at 7:30 p.m.
January 23 at 2 p.m. (tentative)
January 28 at 7:30 p.m.
January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
January 30 at 2 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $16 Adults $13 Seniors (55 and over) $11 Children and Students (with valid ID)

Call 608-206-6378 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

11/14/2021
11/15/2021

Auditions: Sunday, November 14th 7:30 pm & Monday, November 15th 7:00 pm
Sun Prairie Rehearsal Barn- 550 S. Bird St. Sun Prairie

Auditions will consist of select readings from the script. Rehearsals will be Sunday through Thursday evenings starting December 5.

Cast: 3 men, 3 women
Andrew Rally (character in his 20's): A young, handsome and popular television actor and the star of a recently canceled soap opera. He has moved from L.A. to N.Y.C., where he has been given the opportunity to play Hamlet on stage. He's terrified of performing on stage (he's never done it). This is a physically demanding role, complete with an epic sword fight.

John Barrymore (character in his 30’s to 50’s): A legendary actor, who’s ghost returns to help Andrew in the nuances of acting and love. He has much experience in both. This is a physically demanding role, complete with an epic sword fight.

Deirdre McDavey (character in her 20’s): A stage actress and Andrew's virtuous girlfriend. She is committed, much to Andrew's frustration, to "saving herself" until they are married.

Lillian Troy (character over 60): Andrew’s agent, who fondly remembers an affair she had with John Barrymore when she was younger. The affair happened in the same apartment Andrew will now be living in.

Felicia Dantine: Andrew's real estate broker. She claims she can speak to the dead.

Gary Peter Lefkowitz: Andrew’s cocky, pompous television producer. He wants Andrew to move back to L.A. to film a new television series and can't understand why Andrew isn't jumping at the chance.