Last weekend the venerable Stage Hands theater troupe delighted audiences with the opening of their summer production of “I Hate Hamlet.” The show is a serio-comic romp through the relationships and emotions of five very alive people and one ghost.
Written by Paul Rudnick and first produced in 1991, the story centers on Andrew Rally, a successful TV actor whose sitcom has just been canceled. He moves into a large New York brownstone once owned by legendary actor John Barrymore after being offered the iconic role of Hamlet, to be played in Central Park. With him is Deidre McDavey, his girlfriend who values Shakespearean drama over television fame, and his long-time show biz agent Lillian Troy, who just wants to keep her client working. A séance suggested by real estate agent Felicia Dantine summons the ghost of Barrymore, dressed as Hamlet, who becomes a mentor stressing theatrical legacy over a tempting new TV offer by Andrew’s Hollywood friend and director Gary Lefkowitz.
Veteran actors Jim Stuercke as Andy confronts a TV actor’s self-doubt, career choices and romantic relationship, while Francis Girard as the Barrymore/Hamlet ghost mentors with sword fights and dramatic rehearsals all the while confronting his own personal insecurities. In the midst of this dynamic between a living celebrity and ghostly legend is agent Lillian Troy, whose future is dependent upon the living while a bit of her past is tied to the dead. Eileen Bennett brings her years of Stage Hands experience as she deftly leads Lillian into the arms of a long-ago romance.
Andy’s girlfriend Deidre, one holding much sway over both his emotional and physical actions, is played by Brenna Langley, who ably portrays a rather flighty young lady vacillating between real chastity and imagined sensuality. Newcomer to the troupe is Rabecca Hand in the role of real estate agent Felicia, whose séance set in motion the ghostly visit, which brings new opportunity her way via Gary, the director played by Steve Ettinger. Known to local audiences mostly for his musical mastery, Ettinger plays the stereotypical Hollywood huckster to the hilt as he struggles to convince Andy to abandon the stage and return to TV where big money, and big commissions, are made.
The show in two acts is a perfect marriage of comedy and drama, a script so tightly written it is an actor’s dream, imbedded with a blend of modern Hollywood jargon and Shakespearean references. Such a show needs a competent director and this was found in Cindi Reeve; a stage veteran with years of experience even before she was a founding member of the Stage Hands 46 years ago. In the troupe’s last production, Cindi bared herself on stage and in this show, she brings to bear upon the stage 60 years of stage work as actor, singer and director. Under her experienced hand, six distinct actors have melded into a tight ensemble cast that can really bring it to an audience.
But there is more to a production than actors and directors; much more. A production must be managed and the set must be dressed and costumes provided and that triplet of responsibilities fell to Barbara Pekema, who along with husband John provided the building. Also, a stage must be managed, that’s Mindy Hunt. Jeff Hinderscheid is another triple tasker. His Center Stage Enterprises took on scenic design and construction, crafted by Tom Savage and Carlos Gagnon, while Jeff himself choreographed sword play and set up lights and audio. Marty Northrip and Mindy Hunt, in the sound booth equipped by Sol Treasures, brought those lights and sounds to the stage. Vickie Luke handled the many props as two crew members quickly and quietly moved set pieces to and from the stage, one of whom was Tommy Sterelli, who though young, knows and respects backstage protocol. When putting on shows, especially ones where food and drink are available, it is necessary to control the “house”; that is everything in the theater not on or behind the stage. This monumental task fell to Stage Hands board members Raye Ann Houx and Monique Creamer-Todd.
Others mentioned in the production program are Rosa Pacheco, who provides the wonderful meal for dinner shows, wine procurer was Paul Beckett, with James Ewart from Delicato Wines, Marin Vineyards and Mindy Hunt making wine donations. Desserts were provided by Jim Guidotti, with Angie and George Young donating two porta potties; and Doug Borzini who, like a circus high-wire act, covered the building’s skylights. Savanna Garcia designed the production program.
If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy and an insightful drama delightfully brought to the stage by a well-directed cast, then you still have the opportunity this weekend when the Stage Hands bring “I Hate Hamlet” to the stage for two more dinner shows on Friday and Saturday evening at 6 p.m. at the Pekema Plaza, located at 740 S. First St. in King City. For tickets, go to stagehandsmc.com or call 831-210-4903.
