Lots to love in WTC's 'I Hate Hamlet'

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final cabaret show of the 2018-2019 theatre season with a hilarious production of “I Hate Hamlet” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Called “fast-mouthed and funny”, this entertaining show opens with a sneak preview night on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue on May 31, June 1–2 and 7–9 at 7:30 p.m.

“I Hate Hamlet” follows Andrew Rally, an aspiring actor who has just relocated to New York and landed the role of a lifetime playing Hamlet onstage. There is just one problem: He hates Hamlet. As fate would have it, Andrew’s new Manhattan residence is the former apartment of the brilliant actor John Barrymore, whose portrayal of Hamlet was legendary. When Barrymore’s ghost appears to Andrew – intoxicated and in full Shakespearean garb — so begins a wildly funny duel between the two actors over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, even the apartment. Will Andrew’s debut be a triumph or a tragedy? Find out in this “witty, hilarious” fencing-packed comedy with a Shakespearean twist.

“When people ask me about this play, I always tell them if you like Shakespeare, you will love this show and if you hate Shakespeare, you’ll really love this show!” says Director Kim Krueger. “I personally find the real life John Barrymore, with all his talent, glorious escapades, and downfalls, fascinating — and actor Alfred Coggins really nails him in this show. I love that the playwright, Paul Rudnick, lived in John Barrymore’s actual apartment while writing this. The play is full of wonderful personalities, great one-liners, and in the end, it’s a great ghost story.”

Krueger adds, “I also think what makes this comedy especially lovely is that it’s rooted in some serious, heartfelt truths that apply to not just actors, but to everyone. Truths about accepting challenges, about facing your fears, and about looking inside yourself to determine what would satisfy your own destiny.”

The production features Matt Stroop as Andrew Rally, Alfred Coggins as John Barrymore, Becky Rygg Mead as Dierdre McDavey, Katie Nixon as Felicia Dantine, Patty Thiel as Lillian Troy, and Mikey Winn as Gary Peter Lefkowitz. Krueger praised the cast as not only extremely talented but having great comedic chemistry.

Tickets for the sneak preview on May 30 are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available only at the door with general seating. Tickets for other performances are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved table and traditional theatre seating. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performance times. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by Carol and Richard Atkinson.