I Hate Hamlet. by Paul Rudnick, Paul Rudnick Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of I Hate Hamlet.
Book Review: Amusing and Flyweight Farce
Summary: 4 Stars
Although he best known on the professional stage for JEFFREY, a wry and slightly bitter comedy on the subject of homosexuality and HIV, Paul Rudnick is best known on the non-professional stage for I HATE HAMLET, an amusing farce that tears a page from Noel Coward's legendary BLITHE SPIRIT.
A television actor whose series has just been canceled, Andrew Rally is in New York to perform the title role of Hamlet--a role he doesn't want in a play he doesn't like. A flaky real estate agent who claims to have psychic powers talks him into renting the former apartment of long-dead John Barrymore, one of the most acclaimed Hamlets of his generation; needless to say, an impromptu seance seems to vent forth the ghost of Barrymore himself, who comes to make sure that Andrew does the role, like it or not.
There is, of course, a little bit more to it than that, and the plot also concerns Andrew's eccentric (and chain smoking) agent; his determinedly virginal girl friend; and an ultra-California producer type who wants to see Andrew take the easy television and run instead of striving for 'art' in New York. Add in swordplay, Barrymore's infamous lechery, and a host of complications and the result is a charming bit of flyweight fluff that moves a long at rapid clip.
Like many plays of the genre, I HATE HAMLET tends to deal in obvious stereotypes and time-honored constructions; it is no less amusing for that, and if you know something about Shakespeare, HAMLET, and Barrymore you'll find it all the more entertaining. Recommended.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Book Review: Hilarious!
Summary: 5 Stars
The author's introduction is almost as funny as the play itself. Required reading for anyone about to attempt acting Hamlet! (for essential comic relief, if nothing else)Book Review: Love the Hate
Summary: 5 Stars
I Hate Hamlet is a great script! Good for actors/actresses of any range to check out, or for anyone to read. All six characters have juicy little moments and the flow of everything is really nice. Just a good script to have around... for more than a few laughs. 5 stars.Book Review: Stage Plays
Summary: 5 Stars
The play was not available from other providers I have used in the past but there were several copies at Amazon. The book was in very good condition but the cost was a bit more that if obtained from the publisher.Book Review: To Be or Not To Be.
Summary: 5 Stars
This charming little comedy tells the tale of a famous Hollywood television star, Andrew Rally, who has recently purchased an apartment in New York where John Barrymore used to live. Andrew has just come off a highly lucrative and successful television series and is coming to New York perform in Hamlet to beef up his resume and respect in the acting community. The only problem is that he hates Hamlet. Well, the ghost of Barrymore still haunts his old apartment and is compelled to show Andrew the error of his ways. The play is entertaining and is a great joy to watch, especially for anyone who has ever been involved in theatre or show business. My favorite character is Gary, the producer friend from California: it's a great secondary role. A good show that works especially well for small, established community theatres.