Photos by Ryan Loyd, RYLO Media Design
Can a television actor become a contemporary John Barrymore?
That’s the question Paul Rudnick explores in his 1991 stage comedy I Hate Hamlet, currently playing through May 18 at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre with a six-person cast of characters.
And what characters they are!
The three-act play begins with Hollywood TV performer Andrew Rally (played by Ben Abbott) visiting his new temporary digs in New York City with his ditsy friend and real estate broker Felicia (well played by Dori Duke). Andrew is in town to make his theatrical debut as Hamlet in a Central Park production, and Abbott convincingly conveys his anxiety about his ability to do live Shakespearean theatre.
The apartment, a perfect 1920’s Tudor interior, turns out to be the former residence of the great stage and film actor John Barrymore. Suspecting there are spirits haunting the historic apartment, Felica suggests a séance to conjure them up.
Joining in this spirit search are Andrew’s virginal girlfriend Deirdre and his agent, Lillian, who arranged his move into live theatre. As Deirdre, Madison Shaheen is perfect as an uncommitted flighty partner with a penchant for dramatic live theatre actors. Patty Thayer brings a wise and ironic melancholy to the role of Lillian, who we soon learn had a long-ago tryst with the real Barrymore in that very apartment.
The séance, emphasized with appropriate and convincing thunder and lightning (credit Kevin Harris for sound and lighting effects) brings Barrymore’s ghost to life. His purpose? To allay Andrew’s fear of performing and to show him how to be the best Hamlet he can be.
The humorous repartee is clever and quick, thanks to the careful direction of R. Michael Gros, prompting laughter and smiles from the audience through all three acts.”
This Barrymore (Billy Breed dressed in Hamlet tights and tutu) is exuberant and wise to the theatre and the role of Hamlet, giving advice and encouraging Andrew to accept his first real theatrical opportunity. Breed performs rolls of his eyes, pelvic gyrations, and some swashbuckling sword work in true Barrymore fashion.
Counterbalancing Barrymore’s ghost, however, is a soon-on-the-scene, glad-handing, fast-talking TV executive (played with energy by Jeremy Helgeson) offering Andrew a new, well-paid role on TV.
The second and third acts revolve about these two pulling and pushing Andrew to decide: lucrative TV roles, or live dramatic—and more meaningful—theatre?
The characters are rich and flamboyant and self-focused. The two-level set designed by Dave Linfield is perfect for the stage movement, gesturing, and dramatic Romeo and Juliet talk that takes place between the actors. The humorous repartee is clever and quick, thanks to the careful direction of R. Michael Gros, prompting laughter and smiles from the audience through all three acts.
No spoiler here. You’ll need to visit SLO Rep if you want to know the outcome of Andrew’s dilemma. On the way you are sure to have a fun and altogether entertaining time.