Whether you love Shakespeare or wonder why others do, Footlight Theatre's latest comedy, Paul Rudnick’s ” I Hate Hamlet,” promises to please with its wit and exciting stage action.
Showing June 6-8 and 12-15, “I Hate Hamlet” revolves around successful television actor Andrew Rally (Patrick Watterson). He has a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and he’s landed the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. But not all is well in paradise: Andrew's series has been canceled; his girlfriend, Dierdre (Calla Holmes-Robbins), is clinging to her virginity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet. When Andrew's agent (Laura Blythe) visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore -- the quintessential 20th century Hamlet -- many years ago, in Andrew's apartment. This prompts a séance with a Brooklyn real estate agent/psychic (Alice Dickey) to summon Barrymore's ghost (Jacob West). From the moment Barrymore returns, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew's life is no longer his own. Throw in a visit from Andrew’s West Coast show business friend (Brian Brophy), and the laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, and his sword.
Director Donald Beck, who has directed theater for many years in Chicago and Michigan City, said “I Hate Hamlet” is relatable on many levels. “It deals with the insecurities, confusion and fears many creative people feel – whether to pursue their artistic pursuits, risky as they may be, or settle for a sure thing and steady income,” he said.
Those themes aren’t lost on Watterson, who is a regular actor at La Porte Little Theater and an accomplished musician/songwriter. "Andrew and I are both trying to find a little bit of validation outside of our comfort zones," Watterson said. Watterson's last role at Footlight was as musical director for, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!"
In fact, most of the actors in “I Hate Hamlet” have graced the Footlight stage before. But even though it is West’s first appearance at Footlight, it's far from his first time onstage. The 1999 Michigan City High School grad honed his musical theater skills at school and at Dunes Summer Theater before a two-year stint with the Serious Play! Theater Ensemble in Northampton, Mass. "There we focused on abstract, experimental, physical theater, and those are all useful for playing Barrymore's ghost," which involves choreographed fencing and even a little dancing, said West. "It's my first show in eight years. It's been great getting back onstage and being part of the process."
Tickets are $12 for adults – $10 on Thursdays – for ages 12 and under.
Curtain is at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Doors open 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Reservations will be held until 15 minutes prior to curtain unless secured by the presentation of a Footlight Season Gift Card or by prior payment in full. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 219-874-4035 or at www.footlightplayers.org.
A 2-for-1 coupon is available for opening night on the website. Footlight Theatre is located at 1705 Franklin St.