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BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I HATE HAMLET was originally produced at the Walter Kerr Theatre (Jujamcyn Theaters, James B. Freydberg, Robert G. Perkins and Margo Lion, Producers), in New York City, on April 8, 1991. It was directed by Michael Engler; the set design was by Tony Straiges; the costume design was by Jane Greenwood; the lighting design was by Paul Gallo; the sound desgin was by Scott Lehrer; fight direction was by B. H. Barry and the orginal music was by Kim Sherman. The cast was as follows:
FELICIA DANTINE..........Caroline Aaron
ANDREW RALLY..........Evan Handler
DEIDRE MCDAVEY..........Jane Adams
LILLIAN TROY..........Celeste Holm
JOHN BARRYMORE..........Nicol Williamson
GARY PETER LEFKOWITZ.........Adam Arkin

I HATE HAMLET
Notes on Production

As taken from the script

I Hate Hamlet was inspired by circumstances: a few years back, I answered and ad in the New York Times real estate section, for a "medieval duplex." The apartment had been occupied by John Barrymore in 1917, and he had renovated the premises into a Gothic retreat which he titled "The Alchemist's Corner". More detailed information on both Barrymore and the apartment can be found in any number of Barrymore biographies, including Gene Fowler's Good Night, Sweet Prince and Margot Peters' more recent The House of Barrymore.

The play itself is, above all, a tribute to actors. All roles should be played with a maximum of comic verve. Barrymore was a witty and rakish fellow; the role should be informed with a wicked, bounding glee, and absolutely no hint of pedantry. Andrew Rally shold possess his own potent charm, and both he and Barrymore are stars.

Gary Peter Lefkowitz must never become an easy villain, for while he is crass and calculating, he is never stupid. He should be played with a shamless exuberance. Gary loves his life. I Hate Hamlet deals with all our secret, dirty thoughts concerning high art; we've all dozed through our share of Shakespeare. Gary embodies these wayward, honest impulses, and the audience should find him both appalling and irresistable.

Deirdre McDavey must also be played with delicious comic ferver, as she is not a ninny, but a wild romantic. She enjoys a whole-hearted swoon every few seconds, and she is delightfully resilent. She is not a mere kook, but a beacon of breathless wonder. Felicia Dantine and Lillian Troy are equally strong figures; everyone in the play takes a lusty pleasure in their own personality.

The play is a ghost story. The apartment is an enchanted locale. I Hate Hamlet celebrates the theater, in all its artifice and happy dementia. May the Barrymore panache rule all productions.

-Paul Rudnick

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