AUBURN – There’s a lot to like about “I Hate Hamlet,” Community Little Theatre’s current production.
The laughs come easily, the action is brisk and believable, and the silliness is seasoned by some thought-provoking elements in the plot. Friday’s opening night performance went off without a discernible hitch for the show that runs through Sunday.
The play’s six characters are so different that audiences will enjoy some lively debate in picking their favorites. A spectacular Gothic-styled apartment also rates among the show’s attractions.
Stan Spilecki’s portrayal of John Barrymore’s ghost is exceptional. He shifts from unabashed buffoonery to impeccable Shakespearean recitation, with an ample portion of parody. His back-from-the-grave Barrymore is bigger than life, right down to his tights. Barrymore’s legendary and unapologetic womanizing and drinking also get their share of attention.
Scott Powers gives a solid performance as Andrew Rally, a conflicted out-of-work TV actor. He has doubts about his chance to play Hamlet in Central Park until he rents an apartment where Barrymore once lived and the great actor’s ghost appears to propel him toward his destiny.
A highlight of this production is a sword fight between Powers and Spilecki. It’s fast, furious and remarkably authentic, thanks to coaching by martial arts expert John Jenkins.
Roger Philippon, a Community Little Theatre veteran, creates another memorable character in “I Hate Hamlet.” He’s the quintessential clueless Hollywood producer whose primary goals are ratings and dollars. The worth of classic theater escapes him.
“TV,” he says. “It’s like art perfected. When you watch TV, you can eat.” On the other hand, he says, Shakespeare is like “algebra on stage.”
CarlaRose Ricciuti plays Felicia, Andrew’s real estate agent with a Noo Yawk accent and gaudy wardrobe. She’s first-rate as she conducts a hilarious seance scene.
Elizabeth Rollins is delightful as Andrew’s giddy girlfriend. She’s infatuated with Shakespeare and she glides about in Elizabethan-style gowns, but her sweet idealism comes through honestly.
The softer and more serious side of “I Hate Hamlet” comes in the person of Muriel Kenderdine as Lillian Troy, a stern Germanic woman who is Andrew’s agent. Now in her 80s, she recalls a tryst years ago with Barrymore in the apartment that Andrew Rally is now renting. They are reunited for a wonderfully bittersweet scene.
Director Linda Britt blends these six dissimilar characters very effectively. There are lots of laughs in “I Hate Hamlet,” as playwright Paul Rudnick lampoons both the Bard and Barrymore with affection and respect for their art.
“I Hate Hamlet” runs through Sunday at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Academy Street. Curtain is at 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. Tickets are $15 and $13. They may be reserved by calling the box office at 783-0958 or purchased online at www.laclt.com.
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