“I Hate Hamlet” at 2nd Story Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            Paul Rudnik’s comedy “I Hate Hamlet” currently at 2^nd Story Theatre is an absolute joy, packed with laughs from beginning to end, sure to please, a real treat. The plot circles about a television actor who moves into legendary actor John Barrymore’s NYC apartment after his show has been cancelled. It seems he has been hire, thanks to the efforts of his agent to do Shakespeare in the park as Hamlet in the play. Add to this his girlfriend who at 29 is a steadfast virgin, sworn to celibacy until she is married even thought she declines his efforts to marry her and you have an idea about what he is facing. Not only that, but his erratic agent who once had an affair with Barrymore, a ditzy real estate woman and of course, the ghost of John Barrymore himself who finagles his way into the works.

            Tom Bentley is Andrew Rally the television star who is now faced with playing Hamlet. He is uncertain as far as his acting talent, particularly when faced with such a daunting task as acting in such a legendary role. He is torn between the money offered in television and the prestige offered from the stage in NYC. His only issue is that he hates Hamlet and Shakespeare in general. Bentley is able and determined in the role.

            There is the ghost of john Barrymore played by John Michael Richardson, the epitome of the that suave, legendary actor, a drunk, bon vivant and womanizer to the endth degree without reservation of regret. Richardson is simply superb in the role.  He is a jot to watch, pure delight as he deftly dances though his antics with style and verve, utterly funny, totally convincing.

Then there is the wacky and somewhat curious real estate agent, Felicia Dantine, played by Isabel O’Donnell. Felicia found her inner self by communicating with her dead mother through a course she took and sweats by and insists that Andrew try to do the same with the ghost of Barrymore despite his protests.

Of course Andrew’s girlfriend, Deidre, is no help in all of this. She is 29 and still a virgin and determined to stay that way despite Rally’s frustration and efforts to convince her that sex is fun. Rein Elliot handles the role with a charm and style that is appealing and fresh, a delight to watch.

Andrew’s Hollywood friend and producer, Gary Peter Lefkowitz has no clue about theater and is in fact disdainful of it, instead promulgates the virtues of television and Hollywood with wild abandon and ruthless determination. He has put together a pilot for Andy with a $3 million paycheck, if only he will give up on the Shakespeare and theater ideals. He warns Andy in his own peculiar way if he doesn’t watch out he will end up in basements doing Chekhov, then clearing chairs away for the incoming AA meeting. Charles Lafond is the energetic, effeminate Lefkowitz and he handles the role with verve and sass without flinching and without hesitation. He is a sheer delight of hilarity.

Of cures there is Andrew’s agent the irrepressible Lillian Tory, who once had a sexual encounter with the legendary Barrymore. Paula Faber handles the role with finesse and a sense of comic timing that is expert.

Together they provide a delightful summer’s evening worth of theater, nothing deep, but loaded with sheer fun along the way without a doubt.

Director Mark Peckham keeps it all relentlessly on track and the laughs piled on one after another. The sset by Trevor Elliot is a delight with a great window view into NYC from behind to terrific stairs, etc. in front.

If you are looking for some easy going summer laughs, this is the place to be without a doubt.

            "I Hate Hamlet" runs through Aug. 30 in repertory with Charles Busch's "Die, Mommie, Die. Tickets are $25 and $20 for those under 21. Call (401) 247-4200, or visit 2ndstorytheatre.com.