“I Hate Hamlet,” Waubonsie Valley High School’s winter production being staged this weekend, may cite one of the Bard’s most tragic characters in its title but the end result is anything but serious.
“We were looking for a comedy, and when I read this one I knew it would be a great opportunity for our kids,” said director Dave Calvert, who is in his 26th year at the helm of Waubonsie’s theater department. “It’s a beautiful blend of classic, contemporary and comedy, with a mix of Shakespeare.”
The play revolves around Andrew Rally, played by sophomore Jacob Cabrera, a television actor who recently moved into the New York City apartment of deceased actor John Barrymore, played by junior Matt Hix. When the ghost of Barrymore comes back to the apartment to convince Rally to take the role of Hamlet in an upcoming Shakespeare production, the results are hilarious.
“It’s a very high-energy show,” said Hix, 17. “Barrymore is a very happy character, very loose, and there are so many emotions with this role. I have a lot of creative freedom and it’s been very rewarding.”
Cabrera shared the sentiment.
“I love playing really intense characters, kind of out-of-this-world characters, and Andrew is really fun to play,” said Cabrera, 16. “Expect a lot of laughs, surprises and excitement.”
A cast of six and a crew of more than 30 have worked to bring the show to life, which includes an elaborate set filled with many surprises for audience members.
“The tech crew has been fantastic,” said teacher Sean Higgins, who in in charge of the set. “They have really pulled together to produce a set that is out of this world.”
From its elaborate set to a séance and a sword fight, there is something for everyone to love about “I Hate Hamlet.”
“Audiences will see lots of spectacle, and an amazing company working together between the technical crew and the actors on stage,” Calvert said.
‘I Hate Hamlet’
When: 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora
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How much: $7-$9
Information: (630) 375-3337, http://wvhs.ipsd.org/