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I Hate Hamlet
A comedy for a cast of 6: 3 men and 3 women. The Andrew Rally seems to have it celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. There are, however, a couple of glitches in paradise. Andrew's series has been canceled; his girlfriend is clinging to her virginity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet. When Andrew's agent visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew's apartment. This prompts a seance to summon his ghost. From the moment Barrymore returns, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew's life is no longer his own. Barrymore, fortified by champagne and ego, presses Andrew to accept the part and fulfill his actor's destiny. The action becomes more hilarious with the entrance of Andrew's deal-making friend from LA, spouting the laid-back hype of the Coast and offering Andrew a fabulous new TV deal worth millions of dollars. The laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and the fact that he fails as Hamlet in Central Park.
72 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 31, 2023
Ghost stories are about real estate, and this is a fabulous apartment, formerly home to John Barrymore who shows up bigger than life and twice as unnatural. Here's why Rudnick is so great: he's putting up the pull of TV series money against the prestige of Shakespeare in the Park and at no time does he assume that one is innately superior. Rather than go with the cliché about the personal connection between audience and stage actor, he gives us two strangers connecting through a commercial jingle. He evokes Noel Coward and The Greatest American Hero, albeit in separate acts. It's funny but kid. And there are swords. I love a sword fight.
Library copy
Library copy
September 13, 2021
This is a bit dated. Still...
A famous television actor in search of a new apartment finds himself in the former home of a legendary actor whose portrayal of Hamlet had been unsurpassable. Ironically, the tv actor has recently been offered the role of Hamlet- every actor's dream part! The catch? It's Shakespeare in the Park, and maybe a tv actor just doesn't have the chops.
A ghost story I'll never forget. Super funny.
A famous television actor in search of a new apartment finds himself in the former home of a legendary actor whose portrayal of Hamlet had been unsurpassable. Ironically, the tv actor has recently been offered the role of Hamlet- every actor's dream part! The catch? It's Shakespeare in the Park, and maybe a tv actor just doesn't have the chops.
A ghost story I'll never forget. Super funny.
Read
January 22, 2009this is a very funny play. the major theme is the greatness of theater, and the lack of recognition that greatness has in today's society, due mostly to the fact that we are raised on instant gratification. many people nowadays, myself included, have a lot of trouble sitting through Shakespeare's "Hamlet." we don't really know how to do it anymore. also i think that it wants us to know that truth is overrated, and that sometimes one must embrace absurdity. no one can be dignified all the time.
July 25, 2013
My book club is reading a play for July 2013 so I'm in a bit of a theater reading frenzy.
I Hate Hamlet was amusing. It's about a TV actor who loses his job and, somehow, lands the lead of Hamlet in Central Park's summer Shakespeare series. The actor, Andrew Rally, knows that he's not a great actor. Thankfully, he's living in the old NYC apartment of John Barrymore, legendary for his portrayal of Hamlet. Even better, the apartment is haunted by Barrymore who is more than happy to give Andrew acting lessons.
I Hate Hamlet was amusing. It's about a TV actor who loses his job and, somehow, lands the lead of Hamlet in Central Park's summer Shakespeare series. The actor, Andrew Rally, knows that he's not a great actor. Thankfully, he's living in the old NYC apartment of John Barrymore, legendary for his portrayal of Hamlet. Even better, the apartment is haunted by Barrymore who is more than happy to give Andrew acting lessons.
March 30, 2009
It was pretty interesting, but I am sure better to see.
I was lookign to read it to support the Hamlet unit I teach. I'll let kids know it exists, but it're really not a wonderful teaching tool. a 20 minute lesson, maybe, but not a full unit.
I was lookign to read it to support the Hamlet unit I teach. I'll let kids know it exists, but it're really not a wonderful teaching tool. a 20 minute lesson, maybe, but not a full unit.
Read
February 26, 2012Amusing play. The SCSP might be able to pull it off. Biggest challenge is teh set... if you do it as written, it is quite elaborate... some thought would need to be giving to reshaping the set.
August 28, 2012
I did NOT read this play but I did see it on Broadway with Nicol Williamson and Evan Handler. Written by the clever Paul Rudnick, it was an amusing evening about the ghost of John Barrymore and an american actor but what made the show so memorable was Nicol Williamson's hatred of Evan Handler. You could feel it. Several evenings later I read that Williamson actually stabbed Handler with his sword. Handler then left the production. He was awful anyway.
March 21, 2009
A very very funny script about an actor being haunted by the ghost of John Barrymore.
October 19, 2010
One Laugh after another
June 3, 2011
One word..."Meh"
November 29, 2012
Very Silly
July 28, 2013
I saw I Hate Hamlet at a college in Mississippi.
The acting was terrible.
The set was terrible.
The direction was terrible
But the play was still a lot of fun.
Now THAT is good writing.
The acting was terrible.
The set was terrible.
The direction was terrible
But the play was still a lot of fun.
Now THAT is good writing.
March 4, 2017
2.5 stars
July 28, 2024
Great characters across age and gender, and race shouldn’t matter for any character, including Barrymore. A play theater lovers are more apt to appreciate. The set requirements are a lot, and to get the true effect you need them. This includes at least a second story landing. Lighting special effects are also a necessity. Need some Shakespearean costumes and there is an epic fencing battle with partial destruction of set. With all that said, should be a crowd pleaser and does act the question: what makes a life matter?
February 14, 2020
This play is very enjoyable and funny. There was one bit near the end that made me go ‘ehhhhhn not sure I like that� but I could have just inferred too much. The characters are well developed.
March 28, 2014
An actor finishes a successful run in a T.V. medical show and decides to go to NYC to try his luck at theater. The only stage role he is able to get is Hamlet in a Shakespeare in the Park production. He moves into an apartment formerly inhabited by the great actor John Barrymore. The ghost of Barrymore appears to him and teaches him a thing or two about acting (and about living).
In the meantime, a new Television comedy series is about to make an offer to him. He must decide between stage and small screen. Oh, by the way, he HATES Shakespeare. He considers it deadly dull and so does his producer friend from L.A. (who is trying to convince him to return to television).
I chose this book because of the title. I have never been able to acquire a taste for anything remotely Shakespearean. However, since this is a play (I love to attend AND read plays), and a comedy, I thought I might enjoy it. I wasn't disappointed. I liked all of the characters except one (Dierdre - too annoying).
I did enjoy the writing and humor and I plan to investigate more books by this author.
As an aside, I saw that one of the other Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ members contributed a post about the real-life problems between the cast members under one of the other editions of this book. One cast member actually hit another during a duel scene, leading to a walk-out during the show. It appears that one of the stars of the play (Mr. Williamson) was quite a handful.
I put this other edition up because this book contains a Introduction by the author in which he discussed the problem that occurred between the two actors.
Read about the actual event here:
In the meantime, a new Television comedy series is about to make an offer to him. He must decide between stage and small screen. Oh, by the way, he HATES Shakespeare. He considers it deadly dull and so does his producer friend from L.A. (who is trying to convince him to return to television).
I chose this book because of the title. I have never been able to acquire a taste for anything remotely Shakespearean. However, since this is a play (I love to attend AND read plays), and a comedy, I thought I might enjoy it. I wasn't disappointed. I liked all of the characters except one (Dierdre - too annoying).
I did enjoy the writing and humor and I plan to investigate more books by this author.
As an aside, I saw that one of the other Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ members contributed a post about the real-life problems between the cast members under one of the other editions of this book. One cast member actually hit another during a duel scene, leading to a walk-out during the show. It appears that one of the stars of the play (Mr. Williamson) was quite a handful.
I put this other edition up because this book contains a Introduction by the author in which he discussed the problem that occurred between the two actors.
Read about the actual event here:
June 10, 2016
I really love this play and would like to play the part of Barrymore someday. Odds are that I'd have to direct to get it on stage where I'm at though.
The characters are funny but realistic and it strikes a cord with the actor in me. Obviously, this is a script, meant to be performed, not read. That being said, it was very well written. Nice tight plot with just the right amount of humor mixed with some of the realities of being an actor.
See the play or read the script. Either way, I hope you are as amused as I was.
The characters are funny but realistic and it strikes a cord with the actor in me. Obviously, this is a script, meant to be performed, not read. That being said, it was very well written. Nice tight plot with just the right amount of humor mixed with some of the realities of being an actor.
See the play or read the script. Either way, I hope you are as amused as I was.
July 1, 2015
A funny and engaging comedy. Rudnick’s frequent allusions to Shakespearian quotes and his various plays add depth, in the same way that Shakespeare made references intended only for the educated. But it’s wholly grounded in present day vernacular and current humour.
September 25, 2016
Beyond a five-star. This one had be cracking up from beginning to end. It is chockfull of lunacy and merriment. The Barrymore created by Rudnick is charming, engaging and a total p*ssy-hound. Everything I imagine the true Barrymore to be. I would love love love to see this performed.
August 6, 2007
It's not as good of a take on Hamlet as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, but it's still a nice little read. I'd like to see it performed.
August 1, 2014
I thought this was a fun play. the characters are great, one of them seems to disappear without a trace, but overall, I liked it.
October 31, 2014
A truly delightful play. It celebrates acting, theatre, and of course the Bard. If you are a fan of any or all, I would highly recommend this play.
April 20, 2025
I don't, though, of course. Hamlet and I have been the best companions for years now, but I can understand how he can be overwhelming. Hilarious play; I'd love to see it live!
July 9, 2015
3.5 stars. Just fun.
February 23, 2016
Fun premise, enjoyed very much.
October 17, 2017
Very amusing. Good premise. But ... it's possibly a 2 episode sitcom.
February 8, 2018
Loved this play! Witty dialogue and lovable characters. Would love to see this performed live one day!
September 24, 2021
When I was accepted into the acting program of Boston University's School for the Arts, I was given a t-shirt that had an image of John Barrymore as Hamlet with a speech bubble proclaiming, "To B.U. or not to B.U." I mention this not only because even after all of these years I am proud to have been accepted into such a competitive program (ah, the days when I really believed I had the talent to actually make something of myself--- but I digress), but to give you an idea how John Barrymore, of one of the big theatrical families (and yes, he is the same Barrymore as Drew) is considered one of the most famous American Hamlets. In fact, after his 101 performances as Hamlet on Broadway, he was called "the greatest living American tragedian."
Thus, of course he appears as a ghost in Paul Rudnick's "I Hate Hamlet". In a note before the text, Rudnick tells how the play was inspired because he answered an ad in the New York Times real estate section for a "medieval duplex", to find that the apartment had been occupied by Barrymore in 1917. "I Hate Hamlet" is about a handsome, though somewhat bland television actor of questionable talent, Andrew Rally, who decided to audition for Hamlet in the park after his television series was cancelled. He has rented a new apartment in New York, and, lo and behold, it once belonged to Barrymore. After a wacky seance (that, truthfully, doesn't feel earned) run by his wacky real estate agent, Barrymore is summoned---- though what really brought him back was to help the young actor prepare for the greatest role in the English-speaking theater. And whether teaching him the best way to stuff his tights, or performing Hamlet's speech to the Players, he succeeds in teaching this nervous young actor the transformative power of the Bard.
It's a witty play, with some genuine laughs and a truly New York state of mind--- it's no mistake that Andrew's old TV director shows up with his coarse Los Angeles views to try to save Andrew from this "theater thing." And while occasionally some of the characters seem a bit one-dimensional and over-the-top, tis can be forgiven as it is a play about the theater and being larger than life. And in truth, I am wired to appreciate a play that honestly believes there is a transformative power in the art of Shakespeare for any actor, or, indeed, any person.
Paul Rudnick's first play was "Poor Little Lambs" about a female Yale student who wants to join the all-male Whiffenpoofs. I knew his play "Jeffrey" and the film adaptation, a piece that won him an Obie and a John Gassner Award, as well as comparisons to Oscar Wilde. He has also written some very witty movies like "Addams Family Values", "Sister Act" and "In & Out" (which is really fun).
"I Hate Hamlet" did well, but actually achieved some controversy when the famed actor Nicol Williamson (a famous Hamlet in his own right, and was said to be "touched by genius" by Samuel Beckett) in the role of Barrymore, began attacking his co-star Evan Handler too realistically and dangerously in an onstage sword fight. Handler left the production because of it.
Full disclosure: I hate seen a production of this play when I was in high school, but didn't remember anything about it. It must not have been memorable. But it made reading the script today fun.
Thus, of course he appears as a ghost in Paul Rudnick's "I Hate Hamlet". In a note before the text, Rudnick tells how the play was inspired because he answered an ad in the New York Times real estate section for a "medieval duplex", to find that the apartment had been occupied by Barrymore in 1917. "I Hate Hamlet" is about a handsome, though somewhat bland television actor of questionable talent, Andrew Rally, who decided to audition for Hamlet in the park after his television series was cancelled. He has rented a new apartment in New York, and, lo and behold, it once belonged to Barrymore. After a wacky seance (that, truthfully, doesn't feel earned) run by his wacky real estate agent, Barrymore is summoned---- though what really brought him back was to help the young actor prepare for the greatest role in the English-speaking theater. And whether teaching him the best way to stuff his tights, or performing Hamlet's speech to the Players, he succeeds in teaching this nervous young actor the transformative power of the Bard.
It's a witty play, with some genuine laughs and a truly New York state of mind--- it's no mistake that Andrew's old TV director shows up with his coarse Los Angeles views to try to save Andrew from this "theater thing." And while occasionally some of the characters seem a bit one-dimensional and over-the-top, tis can be forgiven as it is a play about the theater and being larger than life. And in truth, I am wired to appreciate a play that honestly believes there is a transformative power in the art of Shakespeare for any actor, or, indeed, any person.
Paul Rudnick's first play was "Poor Little Lambs" about a female Yale student who wants to join the all-male Whiffenpoofs. I knew his play "Jeffrey" and the film adaptation, a piece that won him an Obie and a John Gassner Award, as well as comparisons to Oscar Wilde. He has also written some very witty movies like "Addams Family Values", "Sister Act" and "In & Out" (which is really fun).
"I Hate Hamlet" did well, but actually achieved some controversy when the famed actor Nicol Williamson (a famous Hamlet in his own right, and was said to be "touched by genius" by Samuel Beckett) in the role of Barrymore, began attacking his co-star Evan Handler too realistically and dangerously in an onstage sword fight. Handler left the production because of it.
Full disclosure: I hate seen a production of this play when I was in high school, but didn't remember anything about it. It must not have been memorable. But it made reading the script today fun.
August 16, 2019
I read this for my summer reading bingo “play script� square. It’s pretty hilarious. I also forgot how fun it can be to read a script. I had to stop myself my getting up in my living room and acting things out. Favorite line: “We must not confuse truth with asthma.� (Which is apparently funnier in context.)
June 27, 2023
Cute play about a tv actor playing Hamlet in Central Park over the summer and being coached by the ghost of John Barrymore. A little dated in spots, and the subplot of the actor's girlfriend not wanting to have sex with him until he becomes bigger than life, is annoying.
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