The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Olivia Horn Lovingly Loathsome: (Top to bottom): Associate Professor Eric Zivot and Peter Travis (class of 2012); Jessica Fornasier (class of 2010) and Zivot; Mike Mastry (class of 2009) and Zivot; Chelsea Dygean (class of 2010) and Liz Weisstein (class of 2009), the latter of whom, along with Mastry, performed for the final time as undergraduates at Rollins.

Media Credit: Olivia Horn

Media Credit: Olivia Horn

Media Credit: Olivia Horn

The second I heard the eighties hits blaring over the speakers of the Annie Russell Theatre, I knew "I Hate Hamlet" would be a good time. This play about a young actor's dilemma over playing Hamlet despite his hatred of the show, which is encouraged by famous classical actor and seducer John Barrymore, proved to be a shining example in quirk and professionalism.

"I Hate Hamlet" is a play that Shakespeare enthusiasts and opposers alike can enjoy. The Department of Theatre and Dance's Web site provides a succinct summary: "In this romantic comedy, a washed-up TV star relocates to New York, renting the gothic apartment once owned by stage great John Barrymore. When an impromptu séance summons the towering, intoxicated ghost of Barrymore, a wildly funny duel ensues over women, art, and codpieces." This lively comedy highlights the commercialization of acting and Americans' new weariness of the theatre due to shortening attention spans and a diminishing appreciation of art.
"I Hate Hamlet" truly allowed Rollins' technical theatre members to shine. Not in recent memory have I seen a set so lush and detailed. From the small touches, such as the New York City skyline in Andrew's window, to the perfect timing of each sound cue, the technical aspects of the show truly resounded. While some shows can easily lose their energy due to poorly designed cues off by merely seconds, every cue proved dead on and cleverly designed for the scene. The entrance of John Barrymore was a particularly creative and well-designed piece that remained in my mind hours after the show had ended.

Worthy of attention was also the performance of Peter Travis (class of 2012). New to Rollins, this man carried the show with the devotion of a professional actor. While Zivot's training and skill contributed to an outstanding and engaging deadpan performance of Barrymore, Travis' ability to meet Zivot's level of skill proved extremely impressive. If one watches him at all stages of the play, never does he lose character nor does he deliver his lines without a purpose. Students should certainly monitor the theatre career of Travis at Rollins, for surely there will be more great performances to come.

Rounding out the third leg of this outstanding production were of course the supporting actors. If we had not seen her face, Chelsea Dygan (class of 2009) would be unrecognizable with her Fran Drescher-esque Brooklyn accent. The quirks brought by Dygan to the character of real estate agent Felicia Dantine made an otherwise one-dimensional character unique and memorable. From her laugh to her pronounciation of séance, the detailed approach to the character by Dygan certainly seemed to pay off. Michael Mastry (class of 2009) once again captivated audiences with his role as Gary Lefkowitz, an L.A. agent. His energy and natural delivery made Gary a character we loved to hate, yet wished would have had one more scene just to keep us entertained.

With productions like "I Hate Hamlet," I am sure many people will detach themselves from their favorite television series and return to where it all began. "I Hate Hamlet" has heart, energy and performances unmatched by any other undergraduate theatre program.

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