'I Hate Hamlet' On Stage at University Theatre

You're a famous TV star (good), but no one takes you seriously (bad). Then you get an offer to prove yourself on stage (good), but the play is "Hamlet" - the most criticized role in theatre (bad). So you get help from the best actor to ever perform the role (good), but he's dead - and a ghost (bad)!

"I Hate Hamlet" is a dramatic comedy written by Paul Rudnick and directed by Elwood Robinson. Set in John Barrymore's old apartment in New York City, the play follows successful television actor Andrew Rally as he struggles with taking on the dream role of Hamlet, dealing with a girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity, and playing host to the ghost of John Barrymore, who, clothed as Hamlet, has come back for the sole purpose of convincing Rally to play the part.

Barrymore does convince him to play Hamlet, but when a Hollywood friend shows up offering Rally a new role in a television pilot, with a potentially large salary and fame, he is forced to choose between Shakespeare, whom his girlfriend loves, and television, where he is loved by millions.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, through Saturday, Oct. 24, in the University Theatre, located on Hampton Boulevard between 46th and 47th streets.

Tickets, $10 for students and $15 for general admission, may be purchased in advance at the Arts and Letters box office, located in the University Theatre lobby, or by calling 683-5305. The box office is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets also are available at the door one hour before each performance.

Free parking is available in the 45th Street garage. Metered street parking is also available.