It’s infrequent that the title of a play overtly insults a classic, but I Hate Hamlet does exactly that.
The comedy, written by Paul Rudnick, will be presented by Homemade Theater (HMT), a nonprofit theater company in residence at the Spa Little Theater in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The play zeroes in on the life of Los Angeles soap opera star Andrew Rally, who has arrived in New York City to play the role of a lifetime ` Hamlet. Unfortunately he hates the play, but just happens to have rented the apartment of the late, great John Barrymore. The swashbuckler’s ghost takes Andrew on as a reluctant protEgE and coaches him on Shakespeare, swordplay and romance.
A recent New York Times review called the play `fast, funny … unapologetically silly … hilarious …`
Christine MacLellan, HMT’s associate manager, said while the play isn’t slapstick comedy, it’s certain to bring on chuckles.
`It’s not one of those broad, physical, door-slamming farces, but it is a comedy,` said MacLellan. `This hot shot television star thinks he knows it all, but then it’s a case of the young learning from the more seasoned.`
The interaction between young Andrew and the ghost of John Barrymore sets up the dynamics for juxtaposing acting styles that have changed greatly over the years.
`Today people are really method actors, but in the old school things were very over-the-top,` said MacLellan. `Everything was on a large scale, but there’s something to learn from that.
The ensemble cast of just six ranges in age from the 30s to the 50s in the production. The show itself is designed for teens and older.
`There is a bit of romantic interaction between Andrew and his girlfriend as they try to figure out their relationship that may be over the heads of younger kids,` said MacLellan. Director Stephen Pelletier said he’s rarely worked with such a committed cast on any production.
`This is the most professional group I’ve ever worked with,` said Pelletier, a former actor with HMT. `It’s been a second job for the cast.`
Rehearsals have been ongoing since the end of February auditions. Cast members work four nights a week and on Sunday afternoons.
`Their dedication is endless,` said MacLellan. `This is their passion and they want to make it a career. HMT attracts great talent.
MacLellan likened the group to an `extended family,` noting many in the cast and crew work on all the productions during a season.
Founded in 1985, HMT is a community theater with a professional edge. The company is a unique blend of the efforts of professional directors, designers, technicians, local actors, and hundreds of volunteers in all areas of production.
HMT stages four productions each season, between October and May. They also offer dinner theater packages with area restaurants for the three main stage productions. Each December, there is a `Theater for Families` production.
HMT also offers acting classes for children, teens, and adults.
HMT was incorporated in 1985, and founded by Jonathan Foster and Susan Miller.
The company has grown from a 55-seat theater at CaffE Lena, in 1985, to its first three-production season in the 496-seat Spa Little Theater in 1986. In its 1990-91 season, the Theater for Families production was added.
`This is as good a production as you’d find in New York City,` said Pelletier. `Artists of all kinds flock to Saratoga Springs; it’s just a beautiful place to experience the arts.`
`I Hate Hamlet` continues its run on Fridays and Saturdays, April 27 and 28, May 4 and 5, at 8:15 p.m. and Sundays, April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m.
For information or to purchase tickets, call Homemade Theater’s box office at 586-4427. or visit www.homemadetheater.org. “