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Hate Hamlet? You Just Might Love "I Hate Hamlet"

The Bickford ends its season with a comedy that had its problems on Broadway.

All actors have those plays they’re just dying to star in. It could be a personal favorite or something with a part that they just know they’re perfect for. Chances to actually star in those plays don’t come around often, so Andrew Rein is feeling pretty lucky these days.

Rein is gearing up for his starring role in Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet” at the Bickford Theatre in Morris Township April 28 through May 22, and it’s a play he’s coveted for more than a decade.

“I always had my eye on it as something that I thought, ‘I’d like to do that some day,’” Rein said. “To get that chance was part of the appeal of this specific project, not only to get to work with the folks at the Bickford again, but to do a play that, for a long has time has been on my radar.”

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That’s not because “I Hate Hamlet” was a massive hit. In fact, it’s something of a notorious failure, most famous for the antics of Nicol Williamson, who played John Barrymore in the play’s Broadway run. According to a 2008 article Rudnick wrote in “The New Yorker,” Williamson made advances toward a stage manager and wanted her fired when she refused, resented sharing the stage with other actors and actually struck co-star Evan Handler during a swordfight scene. Handler left that night’s performance and the show.

Most regional theaters draw audiences by staging successful plays. But a troubled production like “I Hate Hamlet” is just the kind of thing Artistic Director Eric Hafen likes to present to his audiences. The show closes the Bickford’s 2010-2011 Mainstage Series.

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“We give second lives to plays,” said Hafen, who’s directing the run of “I Hate Hamlet.” “Plays that may have succeeded or not succeed for whatever reason, we bring them back. Every playwright has an armful of plays that he or she is itching to get back on the stage, so that’s what we plan.”

“I Hate Hamlet” struck him largely because it’s funny. It’s about Andrew Rally, a successful TV actor whose show was just canceled, so he heads to New York with the goal of becoming a stage (translation: “real”) actor. And the role he lands is playing Hamlet in Central Park. And did we mention the girlfriend who won’t go to bed with him?

Things start to get weird (or should that be weirder?) when the ghost of Barrymore enters the picture. Rudnik got the inspiration for the play after he moved into Barrymore’s old Manhattan apartment.

“It’s so bazaar and fun, and all the things he has to go through, and he hates Shakespeare and he has a 29-year-old girlfriend who’s not going to drop that virginity for anything,” Hafen says.

As crazy as it is, Rein says one of the things he loves about the play is its heart.

“It’s a very fun, silly play but it’s also a love letter to the theater,” said the actor, who has previous appeared at the Bickford in “A Thousand Clowns” (in 2006), “The Owl and the Pussycat” (in 2007) and “Rounding Third” (in 2008).

“It makes fun of 'Hamlet,' but it loves 'Hamlet.' It makes fun of actors but it love actors. It makes fun of New York but it loves New York," he said. “It does something, which is certainly not unique but definitely a little unusual in that it has sort of a scathing wit but a ton of heart. And so even though you’re laughing and you’re seeing it make fun of acting styles and Shakespeare and all these things, it also so clearly [has] characters I think the audience is just going to fall in love with. You root for them because there’s so much heart involved and you want them to succeed.”

Another element Rein finds interesting is that as wacky as the play is, it asks some thoughtful questions about the nature of art and commerce. Andrew Rally is grappling with wondering if he’s a true actor, or someone who fits a certain TV type. The play explores, in Rein’s words “the tension between art and commerce.” That’s something that gets blurred these days when serious plays struggle to make it on Broadway and multiplexes are filled with sequels and comic book adaptations.

“It’s the kind of thing that gets talked about,” Rein said . “It’s one of the nice surprises about this play where you come in thinking, Oh this will be a fun, light comedy. And it is that, but there are some real things being discussed and there’s a real journey for Andrew Rally… of self discovery, of finding out, Am I an artist? Can I do more than just be this sort of cute good looking doctor on television. No, I can go be an artist, I can make something that has currency that way.”

I Hate Hamlet is being performed April 28 through May 22 at the Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. For information, call 973-971-3706 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

THE ON STAGE SCOOP

Audition Alert, Standup Comedy at Dover Little Theatre: If you've ever had the inclination to do stand-up comedy, now's your chance. Dover Little Theatre is looking for people who want to test out their comedic skills and is auditioning stand up comics for its First Annual Comedy Showcase on June 17, 18, 24 and 25. To be considered, send head shot, resume and performance DVD to DLT Comedy, c/o Laurie Bishop, 29 Gregory Drive, Kenvil, NJ 07847. DVDs must be received by May 1. They will be reviewed and comics will be contacted to schedule on-site auditions. The Dover Little Theatre Comedy Showcase is a fundraiser for the theater's building fund and is non-paying. For more information, call the theater at 973-328-9202 and leave a message for Laurie.

Summer Concert Schedule in Bridgewater: Somerset County Park Commission announced its schedule for summer concerts Sundays at on Old York Road, and the July 4 Family Festival at on Milltown Road, both in Bridgewater. The season kicks off with Dr. K’s Motown Revue on June 26. Verdict and Total Soul will headline the July 4 Festival. Other shows include Tommy Mara & The Crests (with special guest Carisma) on July 10; Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes on July 17; Michael Amante July 24; Zydeco-A-Go-Go on July 31; Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King on Aug. 7; The Infernos on Aug. 14; Neil and the Diamonds Aug 21 and New Riders of the Purple Sage on Aug. 28. For information, call 908-722-1200.

Play Ball! Nutley Little Theatre is presenting Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out,” through April 23. The play follows Darren Lemming, star outfielder for the New York Empires. Darren is rich, famous, handsome and convinced that coming out of the closet will be well-accepted. Turns out he’s wrong. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. The April 8 is a benefit performance for Buddies of New Jersey, an organization that supports and educates people who have, or whose lives are affected by, HIV and AIDS. Tickets for the April 9 Meet and Greet cost $22. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-238-5596 or by clicking here. The theater is located at 7 Erie Place. For information, go to www.nutleylittletheatre.com.

Ladies Night: The Women’s Theater Company in Parsippany will present Matthew Barber’s adaptation of Elizabeth von Arnim’s novel “Enchanted April” April 8 through 23. The play is about four English women who rent a castle on an Italian island in an effort to understand their lives and relationships. The novel was the basis for two movies, one released in 1935 and one in 1992. For tickets and information, call 973-316-3033 or e-mail info@womenstheater.org. Performances are at the , 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha (use Boonton as the destination city for GPS directions); www.womenstheater.org.

Adults-Only Comedy: Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake will present “Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight,” through May 6. The theater describes the show as a "boisterously naughty romp about three couples searching for love (and lust)." The show’s characters include a mafia hit man with intimacy problems, a young, gay psychiatrist with a much older boyfriend, and Ben, whose relationship with Nancy is thrown a curveball when she screams racial epithets at a rather strange moment. The off-Broadway hit opens April 16 with an 8 p.m. performance. Other performances are Saturdays April 23, 30 and May 7 at 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for Saturday performances, $15 Friday and Sunday performances. (Note: This show is R-rated). Call the box office at 973-691-2100 for reservations.

Mystery, Meat: Omicron Theatre Productions will present its Murder Mystery Dinner featuring audience participation through May 28, at  on Amwell Road in Hillsborough. Admission costs $49 and includes dinner, the show, tax and gratuity. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required: Call 609-443-5598.

Audition Alert, “Picnic:” Auditions for “Picnic” at the Darress Theatre in Booton will be held April 19 at 7:30 p.m., with callbacks on April 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, to be directed by Mary Ryzuk, will be held in July. For information, call 973-334-9292, e-mail info@darresstheatre.com or go to DarressTheatre.com.

Picture Shows at the Dress Theatre: Play With Fire Films, a North Jersey production company, will present a screening of “The Intruder” at the Darress Theatre in Booton in on April 20, 8 p.m. The short film follows a young couple’s relationships and its deadly turn after secrecy and paranoia intrude. Suggested donation is $5. On April 21, “Pluto,” a StrangeDog Production by Ariel Frenkel will be shown April 21 at 8 p.m. In that film, Paul “Pluto” Strauss escapes his unhappy life by harassing people until Olivia, a woman from his past, returns to his life. The theater is located at 615 Main St. For more information, go toPlayWithFireFilms.com.

Time for Tea: Young theatergoers are invited to “A Fairy Tale Princess Tea Party” at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Luke, April 22 and 23. The play, written by Pax Amicus’ Stanley Barber and Richard Boyer, stars Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and other favorites. Performances are at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The theater’s website predicts this show will sell out, so order your tickets early. Tickets cost $12. The theater is located at 23 Lake Shore Drive in Budd Lake. For more information, call 609-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

She’ll Stand Up, You Sit Down and Laugh: Wanda Sykes will perform at in Morristown on April 23 at 8 p.m. The comic was named one of the 25 Funniest People in America by “Entertainment Weekly,” and is known for her roles on “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She’s also hosted her own late-night talk show on FOX and has had her own HBO special. Tickets cost $57 to $97. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Audition Alert, “Two Sides of Love:”  in Hillsborough is holding auditions for a staged reading of “Two Sides of Love” on April 20 and 21, 6:30-10 p.m. Needed are two males and two females (all ages 20-plus). Auditions will be held at Somerset Valley Players’ theater, located at 689 Amwell Road in Hillsborough. The performance date is June 4. Please e0mail your headshot and resume to productions624@yahoo.com prior to April 20. For more information, go to SVPTheatre.org or call 908-369-7469.

Towering Work:  in West Orange will present the world premiere of Matt Schatz’s “The Tallest Building in the World,” through May 15. The play is about the birth of the World Trade Center towers and what is gained and lost when human beings try to reach the skies. Tickets cost $20-$30. The theater is located at 555 Valley Road in West Orange. For more information, go to LunaStage.org.

If The Slipper Fits, It Must Be “Cinderella:” New Jersey Ballet will Dance “Cinderella” at  in Morristown April 17 at 3 p.m. The company bills the production as a lush take on the classic fairytale designed to entertain all ages, and narrated so that the littlest audience members can follow the story. Tickets cost $12-$15. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to Mayoarts.org.

Shakespeare Theatre Doth Seek Volunteers:  is seeking volunteers to assist with ushering, concessions, and the gift shop during the 2011 season, which begins in June. The Shakespeare Theatre will hold a volunteer open house on Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue, in Madison. Community members interested in volunteering are invited to attend this open house to find out more about The Shakespeare Theatre and volunteer opportunities, meet the professional management staff, mingle with veteran volunteers, and learn about the 2011 season from artistic director Bonnie J. Monte. Each volunteer receives a ticket voucher good for one admission throughout the season for each performance he or she works. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning June 1 at the theater’s main stage, the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. Volunteers are also needed for the theater’s production on its outdoor stage, the Greek Theatre on the campus of the  in Convent Station, running June 22 through July 31. For a full schedule, more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact Heather Arney at 973-408-3694 or harney@shakespearenj.org.   Information about The Shakespeare Theatre can be found online at ShakespeareNJ.org.

Let’s Just Sing About Life:  is showcasing the “bookless book” musical “Closer Than Ever,” April 22 through May 7. The show features self-contained songs by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire about midlife crisis, second marriages, working couples and unrequited love, with many of the songs based on the lives of the writers’ lives. The original revue won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical and Maltby and Shire both garnered Drama Desk Award nominations for their respective contributions. Tickets cost $25, or $20 for students (18 and under). Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with additional performances on Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 1 at 2 p.m. (The May 1 performance is a signed performance and an audio description is available if requested two weeks prior to the performance.) Go to summitplayhouse.org for more information.

Celebrating Children: Brady Rymer & the Little Band that Could return to the Growing Stage Theatre for a concert on April 23 at 4 p.m. The concert will celebrate the launch of the band’s newest CD, "Love Me for Who I Am.” The theater is located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong. Tickets cost $14 (10 percent of proceeds to be donated to the Celebrate the Children’s School in Wharton). For more information, go to GrowingStage.goes.com.

Getting Elite: Elite Syncopation will be performing as part of Jazz Showcase on April 25 at 8 p.m. The quintet from New England is making a return visit to the Bickford in Morris Township after several years and will be performing early jazz, ragtime and pop favorites using chamber music instrumentation. Tickets cost $18, $15 in advance. For information, call 973-971-3735 or go to MorrisMuseum.org.

Audition Alert, “Archie Bunker On-Stage:” Pax Amicus Castle Theatre in Budd Lake is holding auditions for its summer production, “Archie Bunker On-Stage,” on April 27 at 7 p.m. and April 30 at 1 p.m. The show is based on episodes of “All in the Family” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Actors are sought to imitate and portray Archie, Edith, Gloria and Meathead, as well as Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vick Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner. Looking like the famous personalities is not nearly as important as catching the essence of their characters. Auditions are being held at Pax Amicus Castle Theatre, Lake Shore Road in Budd Lake. Those auditioning will read from scripts of the two classic shows. For more information, call 609-691-2100 or go to PaxAmicus.com.

It’s “Curtains” For Paper Mill Playhouse: The Broadway hit “Curtains” is closing ’s 2010-11 season April 27 through May 22. The show is about Frank Cioffi, a detective who dreams of becoming a Broadway star who is charged with investigating a series of murders at a Broadway-bound show. Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical stars Robert Newman and Kim Zimmer, known for their roles on “The Guiding Light.” Tickets cost $56-$92. For information and tickets, call 973-376-4343 or go to Papermill.org. The playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn.

Chasing Kevin: Filmmaker Kevin Smith will answer questions about anything and everything entertainment-related, or not, during a Q&A session at  in Morristown, April 29 at 8 p.m.. Smith’s career began with the low-budget indie hit “Clerks,” and continued with “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogman,” “Jersey Girl,” and most recently “Cop Out” starring Tracy Morgan and Bruce Willis. Smith also acts occasionally and owns a comic book store, , in Red Bank. Tickets cost $42-$89. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Take a “Taxi” and Go See a Tribute to Harry Chapin: Folksinger Tom Chapin will be joined by fellow members of the Chapin family for “Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song” on April 30 at  in Morristown. Harry Chapin’s hits include “Cat’s in the Cradle,” and “Taxi.” In 1981, Harry Chapin died on Long Island in a car accident on his way to a charity concert. Tom Chapin’s career spans 30 years and includes winning a Grammy. He is best-known for his children’s music, but he also records music for adults. His most recent album, “Let the Bed Times Roll,” was released in 2009. Tickets cost $37-$57. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

Country Rock and Honky Tonk: Travis Tritt will be take stage at The  in Morristown July 21; tickets go on sale to the general public April 8. Tritt’s hits include “Help Me Hold On,” “Foolish Pride,” and “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares).” Tickets cost $42 to $87. More information can be found here.

School Will Be Out For Summer, So Why Not See Alice Cooper?: Tickets for Alice Cooper's Aug. 15 concert at  in Morristown are on sale now. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be playing hits like “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Tickets cost $57-$97. Click here for more information.

Camp Shakespeare:  has started enrollment for its summer educational programs, which offer training in classical theater by professional theater artists for middle- and high school-aged students. Applications for the Junior and Senior Corps are now being accepted. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Junior Corps is a two-week summer acting program for ages 11 through 14. The program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young actors as well as youngsters making their first foray into theater. Each two-week Junior Corps session offers daily classes including training in voice and speech for the stage, movement for the actor, Shakespeare’s text, improvisation, stage combat and scene study. The focus of the Junior Corps program is ensemble work. The sessions culminate in a short original production, adapted from Shakespeare or another piece of classic literature, which is performed before an audience of family members, friends, local residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. While developing basic acting skills, the Junior Corps curriculum also emphasizes self-confidence, collaboration, creativity and teamwork. The Junior Corps offers two sessions, July 11 through 23, and July 18 through July 30. No audition is required for admission into the Junior Corps, but space is limited. Tuition for each two-week Junior Corps session is $650. A $100 discount is applied to returning students or those whose parents are subscribers to The Shakespeare Theatre. The Senior Corps is a three-week program designed for students ages 14 to 17 who demonstrate an aptitude for performance or a strong interest in theater. The Senior Corps builds upon the foundation of the Junior Corps curriculum with an enhanced focus on Shakespeare, the rehearsal process, performance techniques and the nuts and bolts of the profession. Students take daily classes in voice and speech, movement for the actor, improvisation, Shakespearean scene study, stage combat, and audition technique. The sessions culminate with a performance piece—either a collection of Shakespeare scenes, or a condensed version of a Shakespeare play—which is presented to family, friends, local community residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. Admission to the Senior Corps is by audition, and space is limited. Students will meet with professional resident artists in master classes and discussions. Each student will also come away from the program with a rehearsed and critiqued Shakespeare monologue of his or her choice—a great asset for auditioning for colleges or other theater programs. All members serve as ushers at the Theatre’s performances providing an opportunity for students to work with the public while experiencing the Theatre’s professional productions. Two sessions are offered—June 20 through July 9 and Aug, 1 through 20. The three-week Senior Corps sessions are $750 each.  Returning students or children of 2011 season subscribers receive a $100 discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-408-3980 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

Working For Those Laughs: Tickets for Bill Engvall’s Aug. 17 comedy concert at the  in Morristown are on sale now. Engvall stars in his own sitcom on TBS and hosts Country Fried Home Videos on CMT. Tickets cost $57-$97. The Mayo Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets and information, call 973-539-8008 or go to MayoArts.org.

She’s a Little Bit Country: Tickets for Marie Osmand’s Aug. 24 concert at The  in Morristown are on sale now. Tickets cost $57 to $97. For more information, see here or call 973-539-8008.

Playwrights Theatre Summer Programs: Registration is open for summer programs at the . Acting Lab for grades four through six allows kids to act, play and be creative in a supportive, process-oriented class with an emphasis on play-building skills through improvisation, theater exercises and group collaboration. Five sessions will take place over the summer, with the first session starting June 20. Playwrights will also hold a Full Day Theatre Camp for grades seven through nine offering daily classes in acting technique, play production, musical performance and playwriting. Sessions will start July 5 and July 18. The theater’s website notes that if class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be canceled. Click here for more information about the full-day camp and here for more information about the acting lab.

Write That Play! is offering adult playwriting workshops. Workshops are scheduled through the summer, and pro-rated rates are available for the current workshop continuing through May 23. Click here for more information.

Registration for Summer Theater Camps: Brundage Park Playhouse in Randolph has announced its 30th season of summer performing arts education with the return of three programs. Summer Stages is a workshop for young performers ages 8 through 14 who have completed second grade or higher during the 2010-11 school year; staff instructs students in acting, music and dance, and each two-week session will end with a production for audiences of parents, relatives and friends. The Advanced Performers Workshop is open to students who are already at least 12 and will be entering seventh through 11th grades in the 2011-2012 season. Admission is by audition and interview. Students will spend part of their time in rehearsal for whatever show they are working on, and part of their time in workshops on various aspects of theater arts. The Budding Stars program is designed for children ages 5 to 7. Students will also create simple props and costumes for skits, fairy tales and children’s stories they perform. For pricing, schedules and registration, go to RandolphNJ.org , click on “Parks and Recreation,” and click on “Online Registration.” You can also register in person at the Parks and Recreation Department, located in the Senior Community Center on Calais Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 973-989-7092.

Registration Open for Villagers Summer Theater Programs: The Villagers Theatre in Somerset has announced its summer programs for training in theater arts, preparing young performers for the stage. Actors ages 9 to 12 who have demonstrated desire and talent for the performing arts will discover many aspects of theater, including acting, dance, voice, and musical theater, and production arts through both instruction and experience. The program will begin June 28 with two 3-week sessions, Monday through Friday. Li’l Villagers half-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to noon for younger performers, 6 to 8 years old; Villagers Apprentice full-day sessions are offered from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each session will culminate in a performance on the Villagers Main Stage on the final Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Overture care and encore care are available for an additional fee. Students will be grouped for instruction by age, ability or experience. Arts educators will be assisted by college interns and high school counselors. Students are required to provide their own transportation and brown bag lunches. Session 1 will take place July 5 to 23. Session II: July to 23-Aug. 13. For more information, go to Villagerstheatre.com.

Get Schooled: The educational touring wing of , Shakespeare LIVE!, presents abridged productions of the Bard's work that keeps Shakespeare's language intact. It's offering A Midsummer Night's Dream and Julius Caesar through June 10. For more info and bookings, see here.

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