PalParks Black Box Theatre to present 'I Hate Hamlet'

Designed to offer non-musical theatre in an intimate space, the PalParks Black Box program will present Paul Rudnick's "I Hate Hamlet" on May 19, 20, 26, and 27. All performances will be offered at 7 p.m., at the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at palparksblackbox.eventbrite.com.

The PalParks Black Box Theatre program is the brain child of Palatine Park District's Cultural Arts Director Michael Noens.

According to Noens, "Non-musical theatre is harder to find in Palatine because not many people are doing it. While Cutting Hall is a beautiful space for musicals, you can't draw crowds of 300-400 people for non-musicals anymore. However, a black box space that seats 50-70 is perfect. The PalParks Black Box theatre program for adults can now help fill this particular void in Palatine-area community theatre."

"I Hate Hamlet" is the premier PalParks Black Box Theatre event. The play by Paul Rudnick centers around Andrew Rally, a young and successful television actor, who relocates to New York where he rents a marvelous, gothic apartment. With his television career in limbo, Andrew is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet on stage, but there's one problem; he hates Hamlet. His dilemma deepens with the entrance of John Barrymore's ghost, who arrives intoxicated and in full costume to the apartment that once was his. The contrast between the two actors, the towering, dissipated Barrymore whose Hamlet was the greatest of his time, and Andrew Rally, hot young television star, leads to a wildly funny duel over women, art, success, duty, television, and yes, the apartment. This production contains some language and adult themes.

The production is directed by Kristen Foley, who has been worked on over 50 productions in many different aspects. She has previously directed "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" and "Scaring the Normals" at Cutting Hall with Theatre Nebula, and directed "Camelot" at the Woodstock Operahouse. Actors who have been cast in roles for the play include Teresa Arnold as Dierdre McDavey, Allison Fradkin as Felicia Dantine, Andrew Namowicz as Gary Peter Lefkowicz, Chris Pantelis as Andrew Rally, Stephen Pickering as John Barrymore, and Linda Sak as Lillian Troy.

For information, contact Michael Noens, Cultural Arts Coordinator, at mnoens@palatineparks.org or (847) 496-6237.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks, programs and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.