By Eva Trieger
LA MESA, California –Though the Bard is regaled and celebrated as a most prolific playwright and sonnet producer, not everybody is a fan! I Hate Hamlet, Lamplighters Community Theatre’s delightful comedy, exposes why not everyone adores his 38 scripts. This comedy will reach every funny bone with its clever dialogue, quirky humor and time travel.
When LA television star Andrew Rally (Tim Baran) leaves his series where he is a pretty boy, but talentless actor, he comes to New York City with the hopes of treading the boards of live theatre. By some dint of luck, and thanks to his agent, Lillian (Lesa Sailors), he is cast in the role of Hamlet in a Shakespeare in the Park production. There is no money to be made, but maybe if he can pull this off, he can prove something to himself and to his girlfriend, Deidre (Alyssa Salacup) and win her intimate affections which she has been withholding.
Upon his arrival in New York, Andrew’s apartment has been secured by his larger-than-life real estate agent, Felicia (Marisa Scott). Not only does she specialize in finding square footage for the stars, but she dabbles in the supernatural, communicating with her deceased mother. The apartment she has found for Rally was previously occupied by the one, the only, John Barrymore (Timothy Benson), who, doncha know, played Hamlet. His portrait hangs above the fireplace, leaving an indelible mark on the apartment and the inhabitants.
Andrew Rally, nee Rallenberg, reveals his Jewish identity in a few spots mentioning how his acceptance in Hollywood was akin to his bar mitzvah where he received smiles and checks. He again references his experience of Los Angeles as being “like Aunt Sophie without the pinch.”
The actor undergoes extensive tutelage by the ghost of John Barrymore and steals himself to perform the role of Hamlet in the Park, much to the dismay of his co-writer and friend, Gary (Samantha Schmidt). Gary clearly does not appreciate Shakespeare and has other plans for Andrew’s progress towards megabucks. She tells him of a “treatment” she’s working on for a new television series back in Hollywood, luring him with the potential millions to be made.
This comedic romp combines foreign accents thanks to the snarky German Lillian, New Yawk’s Felicia, a British soliloquy performed by Barrymore and glimpses of romance, past, present and future. And did I mention there is a swordfight?
Each member of the talented cast has been seen in shows around town, and it is clear that they are enjoying performing together in Paul Rudnick’s comedy. Co-directors, Rhiannon McAfee and Tyler Richards Hewes successfully culled the best from their actors, and fostered “a creative environment where ideas can flourish and grow.” Thanks to co-producers Pamela Stompoly and Heather Kenney, this delightful show is another feather in Lamplighters’ cap.
I Hate Hamlet will run through November 3. Tickets may be purchased at Boxoffice@Lamplighterslamesa.com or by phone 619.303.5092
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the coverage of the arts.
Sounds delightful! Thank you.