Event

PPP presents I HATE HAMLET

Possum Point Players presents
I Hate Hamlet
written by Paul Rudnick
directed by Linda Killion

January 20-21, 27-28, 2012 at 8p
January 22 and 29, 2012 at 2p
Tickets: $18; $17 Seniors / Students

"I Hate Hamlet" is a dramatic comedy written in 1991 by Paul Rudnick. Set in John Barrymore's old apartment in New York City - at the time, the author's real-life home - the play follows successful television actor Andrew Rally as he struggles with taking on the dream role of Hamlet, dealing with a girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity, and playing host to the ghost of John Barrymore, who, clothed as Hamlet, has come back to earth for the sole purpose of convincing Rally to play the part.

Real estate agent, Felicia Dantine convinces Rally to stay in the apartment and hold a seance. Barrymore proves to be very convincing (challenging Andrew to a sword fight in the middle of the New York loft), and Andrew decides to play Hamlet. But when a Hollywood friend shows up offering Andrew a new role in a television pilot, with a potentially large salary and fame, Andrew is forced to choose between Shakespeare, whom his girlfriend loves, or television, where he is loved by millions.

Published by Dramatists Play Service, Inc., the cast of the show includes three women and three men. I Hate Hamlet was originally produced on Broadway in the Walter Kerr Theatre, opening on April 8, 1991. It played for 88 performances and the production was nominated for two Tony Awards.