Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

BARRYMORE AS HAMLET
FACT AND FICTION

1917 *Fact* John Barrymore leases the attic of 132 West Fourth St., NY, renovates it as a "Medieval Duplex", and dubs it, "The Alchemist's Corner"

November 16, 1922 *Fact* JohnBarrymore's Hamlet opens on Broadway.  He electrified the audience and moved the critics to proclaim him as one of the greatest Hamlets seen in New York.

May 29, 1942 *Fact* John Barrymore dies.

April 8, 1981 *Fiction* The ghost of John Barrymore appears in The Alchemist's Corner.

*       When:     Monday June 12 at 7:00
                          Tuesday June 25 at 7:00
*       Where:    ROOM 10 (Mon); ROOM 9 (Tue)
*       What:      I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rudnick
*       Who:       UUCPA Thespians
*       Why:       To enjoy a good ghost story

Andrew Rally, television star in his early thirties, has a chance to play Hamlet in Central Park.  He has doubts (To play, or not to play, that is the question).  Deidre, Felicia, and Lillian all think he should.  Deidre, his girlfriend is a 29-year old virgin who wants everything to be perfect.  Felicia is the real-estate agent who rents Barrymore's former apartment to him.  Lillian is his 70-year old theatrical agent who finds a hairpin she left in the apartment 40 years ago when she had a "fling" with John Barrymore.  But Writer-Producer-Director Gary wants Andy to come back to Hollywood ("What's to choose?  You going to get zip doing Shakespeare for squirrels or do a new TV series for six figures?)".  Unwittingly, Andrew summons the ghost of John Barrymore who not only insists that Andrew play Hamlet ("I cannot return, I will not be accepted, until my task is accomplished.  Until you have played Hamlet"), but also has some ideas for Andrew on how to seduce Deidre.

Every one of the six parts is a joy to read.  Sign up early to be sure you get one of them.  Call me or send an email to thespians-info@uucpa.org  Or just show up and take your chances.

- - Philip Hodge  Chair of Thespians