“Hamlet” is considered one of the biggest challenges for an actor, but young TV star Andrew Rally wants nothing to do with the melancholy Dane. But when he gets cast in the role to give him some more credibility, he faces some major obstacles and gets some unexpected help in Paul Rudnick’s comedy “I Hate Hamlet,” which opens tonight at the Players Theatre.
Daniel Pelissier gets some help in his rehearsals for "Hamlet" from the ghost of John Barrymore (Phillip Alexander) in the Players Theatre production of "I Hate Hamlet." DON DALY PHOTO/PROVIDED BY PLAYERS THEATRE
Daniel Pelissier plays the young actor, who is assisted by Phillip Alexander as the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore, considered one of the greatest Hamlets of his time. Garry Allan Breul directs the comedy that also features Carolyn Zaput as Andrew’s real estate agent, Melliss Swenson as his acting agent, Kaitlynn Barrett as a determined co-star and Baron Garriott as a Hollywood writer and producer trying to lure Andrew back to L.A.
Rudnick is also known for his off-Broadway hit “Jeffrey” and the screenplays for “The Addams Family,” “Sister Act” and ‘The First Wives Club.”
THEATER PREVIEW
"I HATE HAMLET" runs July 9-19 at the Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $18. For more information: 365-2494; theplayers.org
