06/18/2026
Auditions for I Hate Hamlet, by Paul Rudnic
July 13 & 14
Directed by Sue Wurster .
. It is "unapologetically silly and at times hilarious," declares the New York Times
I HATE HAMLET – Description and Audition Information
By Paul Rudnick;
Andrew Rally seems to have it all: fame from a hit TV series, a beautiful girlfriend, a glamorous and well-established agent, a dream Manhattan apartment in which the legendary John Barrymore lived, and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. But things aren't as perfect as they seem. His show’s been canceled, his girlfriend is determined to remain chaste, and he hates Shakespeare. Enter Barrymore’s ghost, who, fueled by his passion for the stage (and champagne), is dead set on coaching Andrew into theatrical greatness. What follows is a hilarious clash of ambition and art as the young actor battles his doubts, Barrymore, and a very real sword. I Hate Hamlet is a fast-paced, sharp-witted comedy that skewers the acting world while celebrating its passions.
Cast:
Felicia Dantine – Andrew’s real estate agent with a passion for unique New York City apartments, particularly enthralled with this one (could be anywhere between 30 and 45 in age; often played with a bit of a Queens accent, but not necessary).
Deirdre McDavy – Andrew’s girlfriend, “the breathless soul of romantic enthusiasm…always on the verge of a swoon, she is an actress (29-35 but appears younger).
Lillian Troy – Andrew’s elegant, striking, and successful agent with a “no-nonsense manner combined with a delight for any sort of high-jinks” (she is in her 70s and has the slight remains of her German accent)
Andrew Rally – Actor arriving in the city to play Hamlet at the Delacorte theater in Central Park, an opportunity which, to him, seems to be a dubious one (he could be anywhere from late 20s to mid-30s in age)
Gary Peter Lefkowitz – the Hollywood producer responsible for Andrew’s being cast in his canceled TV show. Arrogant and persuasive, he can’t understand why anyone would choose to play Hamlet instead of a lucrative TV role (he could be anywhere between 30 and 50)
John Barrymore – the legendary star of stage and screen and one of the most famous of Hamlets, he is dashing, sexy, and the “very image of a sly, romantic hero” (he was 60 when he died in 1942)
Auditions: Monday & Tuesday, July 13 & 14 @ 7:00
(call-backs as needed on July 15)
Rehearsals tentatively set to begin Monday, July 20 @ 7:00 (depends on cast scheduling needs)
Performances are September 17th to the 27th.
