Guest director Victor Pisauro will hold open auditions for volunteer actors for Aloha Performing Arts Company’s upcoming production of “I Hate Hamlet,” a comedy by Paul Rudnick.
He is seeking six actors: three women and three men.
Auditions, which will consist primarily of readings from the script, will be conducted at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, and Monday, Feb. 25. A possible invitational call back audition may be held Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. if necessary.
The cast consists of: Andrew Rally, a young and popular soap opera actor who is trying to decide whether or not to play the role of Hamlet on stage; Felicia Dantine, Andrew’s real estate broker, who claims that she can speak to the dead; Dierdre McDavey, Andrew’s young, attractive, emotional girlfriend, committed to “saving herself” until they are married; Gary Peter Lefkowitz, a cocky, pompous television producer who gave Andrew his first big break; John Barrymore, the ghost of the legendary actor, who appears to help Andrew in the nuances of acting and love; and Lillian Troy, Andrew’s agent, in her early 70s, who remembers fondly an affair she had with Barrymore many years ago, in the very apartment in which Andrew currently resides.
All roles are open. No experience is required, and newcomers are encouraged to audition. Scripts are available for onsite perusal by arrangement with Suzanne Murdock at 322-9924.
“I Hate Hamlet” premiered on Broadway in April 1991 at the Walter Kerr Theatre, and had a successful run featuring Nicol Williamson. Since then, the show has been a favorite of regional and community theaters worldwide. It is set in John Barrymore’s old apartment in New York City.
It follows successful television actor Andrew Rally as he struggles with taking on the epic role of Hamlet and deals with his Shakespeare-loving girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity. Real estate agent Felicia Dantine persuades Andrew to stay in the apartment and hold a seance, thus inviting in the ghost of John Barrymore, who, dressed as Hamlet, has come back to earth to convince Andrew to play the role. Barrymore, who proves to be very good at his mission, challenges Andrew to a sword fight in the apartment, and eventually Andrew decides to play the Melancholy Dane. However, when a Hollywood friend shows up with an offer of a new role in a television pilot with a large salary, Andrew is forced to choose between Shakespeare in the Park, where he will be seen by thousands, and television, where he is loved by millions.
APAC’s production will be performed at the Aloha Theatre April 12-27.
Director Pisauro has worked with APAC many times over the years, most recently appearing as Ricky Roma in David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” In 1997, he directed the comedy “Knock Knock” by Jules Pfeiffer for APAC. Many crew positions for the production are also available.
For more information, call 322-9924.