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The School of the Arts production of I Hate Hamlet opens TONIGHT and runs through Sunday, December 5, 2021. The play follows a wildly funny duel between television star Andrew Rally and the ghost of John Barrymore, whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, over women, art, success, duty, television, and their apartment.

Theatre majors David Livingston ’22 (Andrew Rally), Ts Burnham ’22 (Lillian Troy), and Katie Moran ’22 (Assistant Director) answered a few questions about the show.

Q: What is your role? Tell us a little about what your role has involved and how you've been preparing for the show.

David (Andrew Rally): “I play the role of Andrew Rally, a suave young TV star who’s moved to New York in search of something more fulfilling. The story of I Hate Hamlet revolves around Andrew making a decision if he is going to play Hamlet, one of the most profound theatrical roles of all time. Much like Andrew, taking on this role was a real challenge for me, but it has proven to be incredibly rewarding.  Having over 350 lines, and not leaving the stage for most of the show, this role was daunting at first, but through Quizlet (and running lines with some very generous roommates) I was able to take on this role headfirst, and I could not be more excited to perform it!”

Ts (Lillian Troy): “I play Lillian Troy, the foxy and brassy character from Germany, who is the agent of Andrew Rally. She is always the most dedicant woman in the room and has no patience for those who waste her time (picture Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada...but German). Because Lillian has a German background, I have been practicing my German accent throughout the rehearsal process (which I have not done before!). It's been such a great learning experience becoming more familiar with the dialects of this fierce character.” 

Katie (Assistant Director): “I am the Assistant Director of I Hate Hamlet! I have been deeply involved in this rehearsal process through helping the actors develop characters as well as develop parts of the blocking in the show! I take a lot of the acting notes for the actors and Ted [Clement, director], as well as contributing ideas for new blocking or moments to be added in. I have been preparing by coming into rehearsal with a clear mind and by observing how Ted directs in order to continue helping in the process of creating this show.”

Q: What are you most excited for the audience to see?

David (Andrew Rally): “I am most excited for the audience to see the truth in this play. Because while it is a comedy, it is not a farce; these characters deal with universal themes of choice and morals. There is also some danger thrown in there which will be a treat for the audience to see, but they have to come see it to find out!”

Ts (Lillian Troy): “Without giving TOO much away....I'm most excited for the audience to see the incredible set, the intense special effects, and all these wonderful and kooky characters.”

Katie (Assistant Director): “I am so excited for the audience to see our amazing cast on stage! They have worked so hard, and it has been such an amazing experience watching them develop these characters. I am also excited to watch the audience react to scenes that I have directed in the show. Seeing the audience's reaction to what you have created is one of those things that, as a director, I am really looking forward to experiencing. (Especially since this is some of my first live blocking after COVID.)”

Q: What is your favorite part about participating in I Hate Hamlet?

David (Andrew Rally): “My favorite part about I Hate Hamlet has got to be the cast. The eight of us have grown so close over the course of this show, and every single one of them shines in their role. Our director, Ted Clement, has been our fearless leader and guide through this process, and working creatively and collaboratively with him has been a dream come true. The work ethic I have seen in this production is second to none, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience what we all have put our hearts and souls into.”

Ts (Lillian Troy): “My favorite part of this whole process has been working with this rockstar cast, crew, and directing team. We have discovered so much about ourselves, each other, and we work so well together. This cast is HILARIOUS! It has been an honor watching and performing with them every day, and I am more than eager for an audience to experience it themselves.”

Katie (Assistant Director): “My favorite part has been being Ted Clement's right-hand man. He and I work so well together, and I have learned so much about directing from him throughout this rehearsal process. I plan to take these skills with me as I continue my directing career. I have also absolutely loved spending so much time with this company. It is truly amazing how just stepping into a rehearsal with them can turn a bad day around in the blink of an eye.” 

The ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ production of I Hate Hamlet will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ at 7:30 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, with matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. I Hate Hamlet is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ Box Office.