I Hate Hamlet - Music Theatre of CT

The comedy, I Hate Hamlet, playing at the Music Theatre of Connecticut through February 19, has a fun concept.  The ghost of legendary thespian John Barrymore, famous for his portrayal of Shakespeare’s brooding Danish prince, is summoned via a seance to mentor a self-doubting TV actor scheduled to star in the play.  Playwright Paul Rudnick’s script is intermittently funny, producing more smiles and chuckles than outright laughter.

 

Under the direction of Kevin Connors, the show is sprightly, but rather uneven.  In Act I, the unseen kitchen seems to be upstairs, but is ground level later in the show.  Likewise, the bedroom of the apartment is constantly referred to, but where exactly is it?

 

The acting of the production is also at cross purposes.  Constantine Pappas, freshly scrubbed and earnest as the television performer Andrew, comes across as too reluctant and disconcerting.  Yes, performing live theater-in-the-park might not be his usual arena, but after a while his indecisiveness and hesitancy gets a tad wearying.  Only in his more combative scenes with Barrymore does his character have more zing in his step.  

 

His fiancee Deidre (Elena Ramos Pascullo) is conventional and unpassioned, while Jo Anne Parady gives a modest portrayal of Andrew’s agent Lillian. At the other end of the spectrum, the two featured players, Liliane Klein as Felicia, a boisterous real estate agent and Robert Anthony Jones as Gary, an in-your-face Hollywood producer, are too over-the-top and give the play an unbalanced feel.  Only Dan O’Driscoll as the laid-back, introspective John Barrymore captures the essence of his character.  He has a deft comedic delivery, a jaunty bounce to his step, and is one believable sword fighter (he is also the production’s Fight Director and his duels with Andrew are spirited and convincing).

 

Sean Sanford’s Scenic Design is utilitarian at first - Andrew’s New York City apartment is drab and sparse - but has more of an old-world charm in Act II.  The stage exit by the apartment door, however, did need to be wider for the entering and exiting actors.  RJ Romeo’s Lighting Design adds some spookiness to the show.  

 

I Hate Hamlet - a diverting, somewhat humorous production.  Click here for dates, times and ticket information.