Carmel Community Players Presents I HATE HAMLET, Closes 4/10

Carmel Community Players (CCP) will present "I Hate Hamlet", a comedy by Paul Rudnick from March 31 through April 10 at the Carmel Community Playhouse, 14299 Clay Terrace Blvd Suite 140 in Carmel.

The plot is that of a successful television actor who relocates to New York, where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment. With his television career in limbo, the actor is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage, but there's one problem: He hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore's ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors, the towering Barrymore whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, and Andrew Rally, hot young television star, leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, the apartment.

"The character of John Barrymore is seeking redemption for many of his later failings as an actor," said Eric Bryant, who is both John Barrymore and the sword fight choreographer. "He does this by taking on the role of teacher. If he can bring Andrew (played by Earl Campbell) from a self-doubting, fearful television actor to being a star of the stage, he will fulfill his destiny and be able to finally rest in peace."

The talented cast includes Earl Campbell, Noblesville, as Andrew; Laura Lanman Givens, Carmel, as Felicia; Shawn David Evans, Indianapolis, as Gary; Ginny Burt, Noblesville, as Lilian; and Sarah McGee, Westfield, as Dierdre. The crew includes Lori Raffel, Indianapolis, director; Tricia Schiro-Long, Carmel, costumer; and the husband-wife team of Risa and Kurt Krauter, Carmel, with Risa producing and Kurt constructing the sets.

"(I Hate Hamlet is an) unapologetically silly and at times hilarious tale," the New York Times wrote.

"(The play is) fast-mouthed and funny," The Village Voice agreed. "...it has the old-fashioned Broadway
virtues of brightness without pretensions and sentimentality without morals."

"I guarantee you will laugh and maybe fall out of your seats at times," Evans promised.

Tickets are $15 for adults; Seniors (62+) $12, and $12 for students. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting CCP online at www.carmelplayers.org or by calling CCP's box office at 317-815-9387.