[NEohioPAL]I HATE HAMLET @ PLAYHOUSE/BERKO REVIEW

[Roy Berko]

AUDIENCE HYSTERICAL AT CPH’S I HATE HAMLET
	Roy Berko
	(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
	--Times Newspapers--
	Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times

	Every once in a while local theatre-goers have the
opportunity to see a show in which the playwright
seems to have written a part specifically for the
person appearing in the role.  Such was true with
Catherine Albers in Dobama’s production of WIT, Reuben
Silver in Cleveland State’s and Actor’s Summit
co-produced 2 1/2 JEWS, and Dorothy Silver in Beck’s
MASTER CLASS.   Local audiences should have the same
experience watching Andrew May cavort as John
Barrymore in the Cleveland Play House’s I HATE HAMLET.
	The plot centers on Andrew Rally, a TV star who has
just lost his soap opera gig and is convinced to play
the title role in HAMLET in New York’s Central Park. 
He moves to NY, rents an apartment formerly occupied
by John Barrymore, the most renowned of all Hamlets. 
The ghost of Barrymore appears to help Rally get ready
to play the part.
	Now, don’t get the idea that I HATE HAMLET is a great
play, it isn’t.  But it is fun theatre.  Author Paul
Rudnick has a wonderful way with comic words.
	With a good production, or one which at least has
strong leads, as has been demonstrated at many
community theatres, audiences love the show.  This is
the case with CPH’s production.  The two leads are
excellent.  May is nothing short of hysterical in his
posturing, overacting, pontificating, and feigning
being a sexual icon.  David Furr, as Rally, is matinee
idol handsome and plays the roller coaster ride of
spoiled TV star to scared stage actor well, though his
first act performance in more consistent than his
second act portrayal.   Their sword fighting scene is
a delight.
	 The rest of cast ranges from mediocre to acceptable,
with surface level characterizations and lack of
believability.  They are much more community theatre
caliber than professional.  It matters little as the
audience was laughing uproariously at May’s posturing
and Furr’s frustration. 
	I HATE HAMLET is  a fun show.  It’s a perfect device
to use to get away from the world’s troubles and just
sit back and laugh and enjoy.
	The Play House has launched a new “Under 25” program
which offers $12 tickets to theatregoers aged 5
through 24 for all performances.  This, along with the
“Under 35” package which allows those below the age of
35 the opportunity to purchase season tickets at a 50%
discount, makes CPH very affordable.  These discounts
are available for I HATE HAMLET which  runs through
December 2nd at the Cleveland Playhouse, 8500  Euclid
Avenue, Cleveland.  For tickets call 216-795 7000. 
Guarded parking is available on the Playhouse grounds
for a fee. 

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