“Shakespeare, it’s algebra on stage” says one of the characters halfway through the play I Hate Hamlet. The crowd laughs loudly, and not for the first or last time that evening.
I Hate Hamlet follows the story of Andrew Rally in New York preparing to play the role of Hamlet for an outdoor theatre production. He wrestles with insecurities about the performance and debates if he should do it or pursue a more lucrative but less fulfilling opportunity. Things get complicated when his friends and girlfriend accidentally summon the ghost of John Barrymore, legendary actor who played the role of Hamlet previously. Barrymore then makes it his mission to prepare Rally for the role, whether he wants it or not!
Gary Peter Lefkowitz played by Adam Pelletier and Andrew Rally played by Josh Sparks. Photo by Alex Henkelman.
There is something to be said for when a cast is able to rise up to the occasion of an excellent text. The characters deliver zingers such as “we must not confuse the truth with asthma” and “she’s romantic so she’s insane” with confidence and the audience ate it up, enjoying the playfulness of the show. It is funny and interesting regardless if you know the original Hamlet story or not, and this broadens the scope of who could see this performance and enjoy it.
Felicia Dantine played by Les Bunbury and Deirdre McDavey played by Shirley Manh. Photo by Alex Henkelman.
There was a great physical aspect to this play, notably in the romantic nature of two main characters, as well as in the sword fighting scenes on stage. These moments felt genuine and fun, engaging the crowd in the story even more. The set was intricate and detailed without being overwhelming, showcasing the apartment of the ghost of John Barrymore in New York. It’s a perfect backdrop for the dialogue-heavy, laughter-inducing shenanigans that occur on stage.
Deirdre McDavey played by Shirley Manh and Andrew Rally played by Josh Sparks. Photo by Alex Henkelman.
Overall this was a delightful play, executed with gusto by a cast that was dynamic and entertaining. This show would be best suited for older teens and adults as there are multiple discussions of sexual activities, as this is one of the plot points of the play.
Catch I Hate Hamlet May 7th-10th, 13th-17th (evening 7:30pm) & 11th (matinee 2:30pm). Tickets can be purchased here.
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