I Hate Hamlet – Auditions

By Paul Rudnick (Jun 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28) Directed by Ryan Davila

Actor Andrew Rally hilariously struggles with an ego-driven ghost of John Barrymore, a wealthy girlfriend, a glamorous agent, a wheeler-dealer friend, and attempting to play the role of Hamlet in Central Park.

Auditions – Apr. 27, 28

Tickets on Sale – May 1, 2026

Audition information

Auditions in person:
Monday, April 27, 7:30-10 pm
Tuesday, April 28, 7:30-10 pm

Callbacks
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30-10 pm

Synopsis
I Hate Hamlet is a riotous comedy about TV star Andrew Rally, whose canceled show leads him to reluctantly play Hamlet in Central Park only to be haunted by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore. Hilarity ensues as Andrew navigates the ghost’s coaching, a virtuous girlfriend, a tempting TV offer and his own insecurities while deciding between classical theater and Hollywood glamour.

Characters

In order of appearance:
Felicia Dantine: A larger-than-life real estate agent with a passion for Manhattan apartments and a flair for the dramatic. She claims to have a keen sense of the supernatural. Onstage intimacy.

Andrew Rally: A TV actor, charming and polished, with a vulnerable heart. An all-around good guy who deeply loves his girlfriend. He is both overwhelmed and chagrined by the challenge of playing perhaps the most difficult role ever written. Stage combat experience is a plus. Onstage intimacy.

Deirdre McDavey: Ethereal and Ophelia-like, Andrew’s bohemian girlfriend treats theatre like a religion and romance as destiny. A hopeless romantic, she is waiting for a “sign” before fully committing; much to Andrew’s frustration. Onstage intimacy.

Lillian Troy: Andrew’s no-nonsense, tough-as-nails, chain-smoking agent with a sharp, dry wit. Though all business on the surface, she can be tender and nostalgic when the moment is right. The ability to do a German accent is a plus. Ballroom dance experience is a plus. Onstage intimacy.

John Barrymore: The legendary actor and a ghost. A dashing rake with a cutting wit and unapologetic panache with boundless theatricality and a supernatural presence that may reach beyond the stage. Stage combat experience is a plus. Ballroom dance experience is a plus. Onstage intimacy.

Gary Peter Lefkowitz: Slick, fast-talking, and shamelessly exuberant, he is the ultimate Hollywood hyphenate; writer, producer, director. Brimming with confidence and surface charm, he thrives on image and success. Onstage intimacy.

For the safety of our actors, we will use an intimacy director and closed rehearsals, as well as a fight director.

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals
Beginning with table read May 5
Monday-Friday evenings from 7pm-10pm

Actors will be called as needed based on scene work and availability.

A detailed schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal.

Performances
Performances June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Audition Material

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.