Ghosts, gags and the bard at Barker

By IDA ZECCO
Posted 2/5/25

I Hate Hamlet is a sharp, delightful comedy that has all the right ingredients: a dash of Shakespeare, a pinch of New York theater world satire, and a whole lot of snark. Paul Rudnick’s script …

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Ghosts, gags and the bard at Barker

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I Hate Hamlet is a sharp, delightful comedy that has all the right ingredients: a dash of Shakespeare, a pinch of New York theater world satire, and a whole lot of snark. Paul Rudnick’s script delivers zingers faster than you can say “to be or not to be,” with a cast of characters so charming, you almost want to hang out with them, if only to witness more of their deliciously self-absorbed banter.

This play, currently at the Barker Playhouse, centers on a young, TV actor, Andrew Rally, played by David Sackal, who is disgusted by the idea of playing Hamlet in a prestigious New York production. His loathing for the role—combined with his newfound obsession with the ghost of John Barrymore, portrayed by Tim Bric, is the kind of setup that screams for both laughs and existential pondering. It’s as if Shakespeare’s ghost and Broadway’s ego had a baby, and that baby had a few drinks at a party thrown by Noël Coward.

Sackal as Andrew delivers an engaging performance. He captures the character’s confusion and vulnerability with ease. His charm brings the role to life, making Andrew’s journey of self-discovery both humorous and endearing.

Bric is a captivating mix of grandeur and wit to the role of John Barrymore, embodying the legendary actor’s eccentricities with flair. Bric’s performance exudes both humor and gravitas, making Barrymore’s ghostly presence both a comic and poignant highlight of the play.

Deirdre McDavey, Andrew’s girlfriend, is played by Rebecca Bernardo-Hartley. She delivers a sweet as syrup performance, balancing the character’s mix of ambition and romantic longing.

The role of Lillian Troy, played by Carole Collins, is a sharp-witted character commanding presence. She has some of the best comedic lines in the script, however, it was difficult to hear most of them at the back of the house.

Ramon Hernandez plays the character of Gary Peter Lefkowitz, a cocky, pompous television producer, who has given Andrew his first big break. Hernandez balances brash, comedic arrogance with an undeniable charm, making him both amusing and ingratiating.

Felicia Dantine, Andrew’s real estate agent, who claims to be able to speak to the dead is played by Kira Santos. Her over-the-top enthusiasm and belief in the supernatural is both endearing and comical. When done well, Santos adds a delightful spark to the play.

In the words of the legendary actor Edmund Gwenn, “Dying is easy, comedy is hard.”

It takes more than a funny script (which this is) to give birth to a successful comedic play. The most difficult role of all to achieve this is the part played by the director. Gia Yarn provides noteworthy blocking and moves the characters around the stage with ease.

Some of the special effects, such as Barrymore’s entrance, added both humor and excitement. What was missing was overall comedic timing. There is as much a cadence and rhythm to comedy as there is to Shakespear’s pentameter/iambic pentameter. Delivering either of these styles, and misplacing the emphasis or rhythm, denies the meaning of the phrase or the landing of the joke. Pauses and silence are considered part of the rhythm, too.

This is not bad acting. It is how to deliver or direct the line to get the most out of it. This production is funny and entertaining. It could be funnier and more entertaining with a better understanding of comedic rhythm.

Lastly, there were a few costume choices that might be reconsidered for the characters of Gary and Felicia: Gary’s evening jacket and Felicia’s sweat suit. Barrymore’s requires men’s ballet slippers, or something cloth that slips onto the foot.  Modern tie-shoes spoil the authenticity of the genre.  

The beauty of “I Hate Hamlet” lies in its clever self-awareness. It pokes fun at everything we hold sacred about theater, including its pretentiousness, its eccentricities, and even the very art of acting itself. What’s not to love about a play that lets you chuckle at the absurdities of Shakespeare, all while cleverly reminding you why we still put on these ridiculous performances in the first place?

So, yes, Andrew might hate Hamlet. But for the audience, this production is a good romp through the glories and groan-worthy pitfalls of acting, identity, and—of course—some extremely dramatic ghosts.

Where:  The Players
Barker Playhouse
400 Benefit Street, Providence

When:   Fri. & Sat. 2/7 & 2/8 at 7:30 p.m.
Sun. 2/2 & 2/9 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:  $30/Adults
$20/Students, Military, First Responders

Box Office:   (401) 273-0590  or https://www.playersri.org

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