"I Hate Hamlet" is a comedic play written by American playwright Paul Rudnick. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 and has since become a popular production in regional and community theaters. The play blends elements of farce, ghost story, and theatrical satire, exploring themes of artistic ambition, legacy, and the clash between commercial success and classical art.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Andrew Rally, a young television actor who has recently been cancelled from his successful TV series. He is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Park in New York City, a role he initially despises and feels completely unsuited for. Adding to his anxieties, Andrew moves into a gothic Greenwich Village apartment that was once inhabited by the legendary, flamboyant, and notoriously hard-drinking Shakespearean actor John Barrymore.Shortly after moving in, Andrew's apartment is visited by the ghost of John Barrymore himself. The spectral Barrymore, complete with his theatrical flair and sharp wit, emerges to guide, inspire, and often torment Andrew into embracing the iconic role of Hamlet. Barrymore, still very much the diva even in the afterlife, insists that Andrew must live up to the challenge and uphold the grand tradition of classical acting.
Andrew finds himself torn between Barrymore's passionate pursuit of theatrical greatness, the naive romanticism of his virginal girlfriend, Deirdre McDavey, his pragmatic and flamboyant agent, Lillian, a psychic real estate agent named Felicia Dantine, and the tempting offer from his former slick Hollywood producer, Gary Peter Lefkowitz, to return to television. The play culminates in Andrew's struggle to find his own interpretation of Hamlet while navigating the chaotic advice and demands from the living and the dead.
Characters
- Andrew Rally: A young, somewhat insecure TV actor hesitant to take on a classical role.
- John Barrymore: The boisterous and theatrical ghost of the legendary actor, determined to mold Andrew into a great Hamlet.
- Deirdre McDavey: Andrew's girlfriend, an earnest and idealistic young woman with a strong belief in purity and romance.
- Lillian: Andrew's veteran agent, a no-nonsense and humorous figure who keeps Andrew grounded.
- Felicia Dantine: The eccentric real estate agent who is also a psychic and can communicate with Barrymore's ghost.
- Gary Peter Lefkowitz: A slick, fast-talking Hollywood producer who represents the allure of commercial success.
Themes
"I Hate Hamlet" explores several key themes:- Artistic Legacy vs. Commercialism: The central conflict between the enduring power of classical theater and the fleeting nature of television fame.
- The Actor's Struggle: The anxieties and pressures faced by actors, particularly when tackling challenging roles or living up to famous predecessors.
- Finding One's Own Path: Andrew's journey to define his own acting style and interpretation of Hamlet, rather than simply imitating others.
- Love and Relationships: The comedic exploration of Andrew and Deirdre's unusual romantic dynamic.
- The Supernatural: The use of a ghost as a catalyst for growth and conflict, adding a farcical and whimsical element.