Moriallac Theatre Company

I Hate Hamlet

Synopsis

I Hate Hamlet is a dramatic comedy written in 1991 by Paul Rudnick. Set in John Barrymore's old apartment in New York City the play follows successful television actor Andrew Rally as he struggles with taking on the dream role of Hamlet, dealing with a girlfriend who is keeping a firm grip on her chastity, and playing host to the ghost of John Barrymore, who, clothed as Hamlet, has come back to earth for the sole purpose of convincing Rally to play the part. Real estate agent, Felicia Dantine convinces Rally to stay in the apartment and hold a seance. Barrymore proves to be very convincing (challenging Andrew to a sword fight in the middle of the New York loft), and Andrew decides to play Hamlet. But when a Hollywood friend shows up offering Andrew a new role in a television pilot, with a potentially large salary and fame, Andrew is forced to choose between Shakespeare, whom his girlfriend loves, or television, where he is loved by millions.

Audition Notes:

• Ages are approximate, and consideration will be given to relative ages, the right look and capturing the character.
• Accents will be required, though need not be fully formed at audition.
• An affection for and familiarity with Hamlet and Shakespeare in general would be useful.

Roles:

Andrew Rally

Mid to late 20s. Andrew is a TV star with the world at his feet, but perhaps not the talent or drive to succeed outside the medium he is comfortable in. Not bumbling by any measure, but somewhat under siege by those around him. Will need to display a comedic sense and be able to portray Andrew "acting".

John Barrymore

50s (Barrymore died at the age of 60). A presence of great gravitas, a master of his craft. Must be played with wit, confidence, grace, and not a little romance. A mentor, though not entirely fatherly. Barrymore's accent has a touch of English affectation. Youtube is a good resource for voice and accent reference.

Lillian Troy

30s to 40s. Andrew's German, chain-smoking agent. A very strong character who is commanding when roused. Some great opportunities for comic moments.

Felicia Dantine

50s. The ever-present real estate agent, some-time psychic, and one time lover of Barrymore. Proud in her appearance and full of wild and romantic ideas. Again, some great opportunities to bring out humourous moments. Strong New York accent.

Deirdre McDavey

20s, probably a little younger than Andrew. A young lady with strong ideals and not a few romantic notions of her own. Must be engaging and charismatic, a realistic and charming foil for the rising start that is Andrew. In many ways more than his equal. Not averse to using her femininity and others perceptions to get her way.

Gary Peter Lefkowitz

30s, very Los Angeles. A clever, manipulative, fast-talking character. Quick on his feet and tongue. Not evil, but certainly puts himself first. Though he does have some interest in Andrews wellbeing also. Very in tune with the industry, no interest in art - unless there is a percentage in it.

SHIRLEY BURKE THEATRE
64 Parkers Road
Parkdale
Melways Reference: 87C9

Sunday August 29th at 2pm and Monday 30th August at 7:30pm

Ross Mack
0412916633
rossmack@rossmack.com 

SEASON 4
THE WISDOM OF EVE
by Mary Orr
Directed by Judy Corderoy

This is the play on which the academy award winning film “All About Eve” was based. Margo Crane is an ageing star of the stage. Eve ingratiates herself into Margo’s life and then proceeds to betray her and to take over her roles. This play is witty and sophisticated and contains excellent roles for men and women. The audition is being held early as the director will be away for several weeks.

CAST

EVE HARRINGTON Female 25-30 - an adoring fan of the theatre and of Margo in particular. Superficially sweet, she is also ambitious, manipulative, and ruthless. Lead role
KAREN ROBERTS Female 50s - Margo’s close friend and wife of playwright Lloyd Roberts. Lead role
MARGO CRANE Female 45-50 - Stage star – a scintillating personality, larger than life, egotistical, temperamental, easily flattered, desperate to maintain her star status while recognising that she can no longer play ingénues. Lead role
LLOYD ROBERTS Male 50s - Karen’s husband. He has written all Margo’s hit plays. Intellectual, attractive. Large role
CLEMENT HOWELL Male 50-60 - Sophisticated, wealthy, a strong personality who knows and understands Margo and loves her in spite of her weaknesses. Large role
HARVEY Male 30-40 - Margo’s Stage Manager. Non-descript and sycophantic. Medium role
TALLY HO THOMPSON Male no particular age - Theatre critic. Sloppily dressed, somewhat sly. Smaller role
BERT HINKLE Male no particular age - Theatrical agent. Smooth, well-fed, usually seen around with beautiful women. Margo is one of his clients. Medium role
LEILA Female middle aged - Margo’s maid and dresser. Devoted to Margo. Smaller role
VERA Female 20s - a young actress. Smaller role

SHIRLEY BURKE THEATRE
64 Parkers Road
Parkdale
Melways Reference: 87C9

Please contact the director to book an audition time or for further information.

Judy Corderoy
9587 1679 / 0400 892 889
judyann2@optusnet.com.au

Rehearsals commence July (The audition is being held early as the director will be away for several weeks)
Season runs September 10 - 25

SEASON 3
The Underpants
by Carl Sternheim and Adapted by Steve Martin
Directed by Vicki Smith

The Underpants is a hilarious look at the chaos and commotion caused by a simple act of fate, and a flash of a lady's undergarments. Adapted for modern audiences by Steve Martin, it is an outrageous, over-the-top, and utterly believable look at feminism, politics, sexism, and sex in general.
As the play opens, Theo Maske, an officious, puritanical bureaucrat, berates his wife, Louise, for allowing her titular underpants to fall to the ground at a parade for the King. Theo frets that he and Louise will be financially ruined and become social outcasts from the inevitable scandal. But before long, besotted men appear at Maske’s door to rent a room – and, unnoticed by the proprietor, to seduce his wife. As scandal erupts into spectacle, the characters reflect, and reflect upon, our fascination with fame, our reliance on gender roles, and our enslavement by sex. Replete with off the wall humour, wordplay, and masterful banter, Steve Martin’s adaptation is a relevant today as Sternheim’s play was a century ago.

CAST

Theo Male 30s - Stuffy and controlling
Louise Female 20s - 30s - Theo’s wife
Gertrude Female 40s - Nosey neighbour
Versati Male 30s to 50s - Elegant gentleman
Cohen Male 30s to 40s - Sickly, asthmatic
Klinglehoff Male 50s to 70s - Elderly Man

SHIRLEY BURKE THEATRE
64 Parkers Road
Parkdale
Melways Reference: 87C9

Please contact the director to book an audition time or for further information.

Vicki Smith
0419 329 052
vsmith@macarthurcook.com.au

Rehearsals commence May 3
Season runs June 25 to July 10