GCCC Theatre Replaces Spring Production with I HATE HAMLET
[Garden City, KS] February 1, 2024 -- Due to a number of factors, Garden City Community College Theatre has cancelled its spring production of Michael Frayn's Noises Off and will be performing Paul Rudnick's I Hate Hamlet on April 18-20 and April 25-27 at 7:00 pm on the KCB Bank Auditorium Stage in the Joyce Fine Arts Building.
I Hate Hamlet--the Broadway run of which ended in an infamous stabbing onstage in 1991--tells the hilarious story of Andrew Rally, a television soap-star trying to earn his stripes as a legitimate actor by playing Hamlet in New York City's Shakespeare in the Park. Unprepared, sexually deprived, and untalented, Andrew is ready to quit when the ghost of John Barrymore--American acting royalty and one of the definitive Hamlets in U.S. history--appears and attempts to coach the ham-fisted amateur through playing one of the greatest parts of all time. Featuring hysterical dialogue, riotous physical humor, and unexpected poignancy, I Hate Hamlet has been a beloved American comedy for thirty years and is a love letter to the sometimes-absurd craft of theatre.
"We've got two primary considerations in show selection," says Dr. Joshua Kelly, Director of Theatre at GCCC. "What shows benefit the education of our students, and what do Garden City audiences need or deserve to see? Our production of The Pillowman last fall challenged our audiences to reconsider how we define good art. This production of I Hate Hamlet challenges us on our own process, and gives our audiences a chance to see what goes into making theatre in a way that allows us to laugh at ourselves the whole time. Most importantly, it has excellent parts for our students and a chance to utilize a couple of very supportive community members."
GCCC's production of I Hate Hamlet stars students Ryan Pilosof as hapless actor Andrew, Johb Silva as his materialistic and theatre-hating agent Gary, Adriana Mendoza as Andrew's wildly romantic lover Deirdre, and Razel Quintero as the ghost of John Barrymore. It also features community actors Taylin Ansel as Andrew's psychic real estate agent Felicia, and Stacie Hahn as Andrew's imperious acting agent Lillian. Tickets are $10 General Admission and FREE to all students wherever they're enrolled.
I Hate Hamlet contains mild adult humor and language and is recommended for teenage and adult audiences. Questions about the production can be directed to Dr. Joshua Kelly at joshua.kelly@gcccks.edu.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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