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I Hate Hamlet

Play

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

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
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in I Hate Hamlet.

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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.

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