I Hate Hamlet

Attleboro Community Theatre finishes their season on a high note by presenting the comedy "I Hate Hamlet." The production features strong ensemble work and sharp direction by James Sulanowski.

Andrew Rally (Benjamin Shane Christie), the star of a popular television show called "LA Medical," has relocated to the East Coast and landed the role of a lifetime: Hamlet.

The only problem is, the very insecure actor hates Hamlet. If that wasn't bad enough, Andrew's perpetually cheerful girlfriend Deirdre (played by Christie's real wife Rebecca) won't have sex with him.

He also discovers his posh, new home is haunted by the ghost of its previous occupant: legendary film actor John Barrymore, who becomes Andrew's confidante and acting coach.

Meanwhile, Andrew's opportunistic agent friend Gary (David Almeida) offers him a new television series that promises to pay him millions.

Barrymore urges Andrew to ignore the fame and fortune, which he believes are essentially meaningless, to focus his efforts on creating art on stage.

The best scenes are the byplay between Andrew and Barrymore, who is played by Stephen Hug with a roguish charm. Hug is clearly having a blast with the character and it's enjoyable to watch him advising his prot�g�.

Christie, making his stage debut, is likable and charming as Andrew struggles to overcome his fears so he can do some real acting for a change. Christie more than holds his own with Hug, whether he's swinging a sword or showing Barrymore one of his acting warm-up exercises.

Playwright Paul Rudnick's dialogue is witty and the supporting performances are all solid.

Rebecca Christie has a smooth chemistry with her husband and possesses a sweet innocence which is perfect for Deirdre, who aspires to be an actress. Alicia Harris is amusing as the somewhat flaky Felicia, a real estate agent who converses with the dead.

Elizabeth Parent has a lot of fun as Lillian, who seeks to rekindle her long dormant romance with Barrymore, even though he is a ghost. Hug and Parent share a dance together which is one of the highlights of the play.

Almeida is also on target as the shallow and greedy Gary, who appreciates money more than art. He's playing the Devil to Barrymore's Angel as they battle for Andrew's soul.

Sulanowski, David Blessinger, and Paul Nolette created a hauntingly gothic look for Andrew's New York apartment. Doug Greene's lighting design was suitably atmospheric.

Overall, "I Hate Hamlet" is a wonderful entertainment with a lot of heart and soul.

"I Hate Hamlet" runs through May 19. Attleboro Community Theatre. 71 North Main Street. Attleboro, MA. For tickets, call 508-226-8100. www.attleborocommunitytheatre.com.