“I Hate Hamlet!” a comedy by Paul Rudnick, opens April 20, 2023

Portal Players Dramatic Society’s next production is shaping up well – TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW via online purchase (click this link or the image below).

Andrew Rally seems to have it all: celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park. There are, however, a couple of glitches in paradise. Andrew’s series has been canceled; his girlfriend is clinging to her virginity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet. When Andrew’s agent visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew’s apartment. This prompts a seance to summon his ghost. From the moment Barrymore returns, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew’s life is no longer his own. Barrymore, fortified by champagne and ego, presses Andrew to accept the part and fulfill his actor’s destiny. The action becomes more hilarious with the entrance of Andrew’s deal-making friend from LA, spouting the laid-back hype of the Coast and offering Andrew a fabulous new TV deal worth millions of dollars. The laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and the fact that he fails as Hamlet in Central Park.

“I Hate Hamlet”, directed by L’Rae Whipple and produced by Nicole Foster, opens on April 20, 2023 at The Capitol Theatre and plays on select dates through May 6. It is also Portal Players’ entry in the Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival being held the third week of May in Campbell River.

This play includes scintillating sword fighting and mature content – more details coming soon . . .


Portal Players Dramatic Society is a Volunteer, Charitable & Non-Profit Organization which owns & runs The Capitol Theatre. All our actors, directors, crew, front of house & production team members are highly skilled, talented & local volunteers, working hard to help create and promote a Vibrant Arts Community in the Alberni Valley.

Thank You For Your Support Of Our Productions!


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