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Overview

Synopsis

In Paul Rudnick’s I Hate Hamlet, television star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet—and he is terrified. Unsure of himself, worried about his career, Andrew doesn’t know what to do. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore. Barrymore explains that all actors who take on the role are visited and mentored by their predecessors, and that he cannot leave Andrew until he takes the stage as Hamlet. Andrew’s girlfriend wants him to be a romantic hero of the stage, his friend wants him to accept a lucrative new TV gig, and Barrymore wants him to accept his own great theatrical mantle. As Andrew grows under Barrymore’s larger-than-life wing, he is forced to confront the ultimate question: who he wants to be, or not to be.

Show Information

Book
Paul Rudnick
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1991
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Andrew's apartment, New York City, Present
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Dramatists Play Service
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Andrew Rally

Lead

Male

John Barrymore

Lead

Male

Deirdre McDavey

Supporting

Female

Lillian Troy

Supporting

Female

Felicia Dantine

Supporting

Female

Gary Peter Lefkowitz

Supporting

Male

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Marielle Renée Rousseau

Marielle Renée Rousseau