By Randi Bjornstad

After several more serious shows this year, Cottage Theatre’s Susan Goes says, “It’s time for a comedy!” And that means I Hate Hamlet will be onstage there through Aug. 23.

And lest you think that this is a traditional Shakespearean adventure, here’s how she describes this version of Hamlet:

“In I Hate Hamlet, we meet Andrew Rally, who seems to have it all: fame from a hit TV series, a beautiful girlfriend, a glamorous agent, a dream Manhattan apartment—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 the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore, who, fueled by ego and champagne, is dead set on coaching Andrew into theatrical greatness.
“What follows is a hilarious clash of ambition, art, and egos as the young actor battles Barrymore, his own doubts, and a very real sword. I Hate Hamlet is a fast-paced, sharp-witted comedy that skewers the acting world while celebrating its passions.”
The cast at Cottage Theatre’s production includes Kory Weimer as John Barrymore, Kyle Carrillo-Magaña as Andrewy Rally, and Deirdre McDavey as Serene Zamora, as well as Jennifer Sellers as Lillian Troy, Imogen Bentley as Felicia Dantine, and Michael Johnson as Gary Peter Lefkowitz.
And of course there’s a production crew, with Olive Bennett as stage manager and Tony Rust as director and set designer, plus Maggie Hadley (intimacy choregraphy) and Kevin Inouye (fight choreography).
The set construction and painting crew include leader Nancy Geyer, assisted by Olive Bennett, Imogen Bentley, Chris Bond, Randall Brous, David Dobson, David Evans, Martin Fogarty, Laura Gibson, Susan Goes, Jim Kupsick, Tony Rust, Lynne Schuepbach, Marisela Taylor, Nicole Torres, Kory Weimer, and Ian Whetzel.
The crew also included costume design by Kali McDonald and Rhonda Turnquist, props by Mark Allen, lighting design by Amanda Ferguson, and Audriahna Jones as light and sound board operator.
Kim Sherman provided original music, Alli Minch created the lobby display, photographers Max Arnold and Matt Emrich did just that.

 

I Hate Hamlet at Cottage Theatre

When:  7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through Aug. 23

Where: 700 Village Drive, Cottage Grove

Tickets: $32 for adults, $20 for students, available in advance online at BUY TICKETS

 

Information: cottagetheatre.org or 541- 942-8001