Review: Pocket Sandwich's I HATE HAMLET is delightfully fun!

I Hate Hamlet

By Paul Rudnick

Directed by Carol M. Rice

Reviewed by Eddy Herring

Pocket Sandwich Theatre is known for its popcorn-throwing melodramas, but they do occasionally perform what some would call “normal” plays.  It is a great place to bring a date or a group of friends, come early for some dinner, drinks and dessert, and see a play in Pocket style.  And, I Hate Hamlet is a perfect show to see in this space.

I Hate Hamlet begins as real estate agent Felicia (Rebecca Litsey) is showing young actor Andrew (Mario Aguirre IV) and girlfriend Deirdre (Jennifer Nachazel) the former apartment of deceased actor John Barrymore (Dennis GW Millegan), famous for his portrayal of Hamlet.  Andrew has been cast to play the role of Hamlet with the help of his manager Lillian Troy (Ivy Opdyke), much to the chagrin of his commercial agent Gary Peter Lefkowitz (Nolan Spinks).  Andrew is skeptical of playing Hamlet, but an unexpected visit from the afterlife might just be the solution to remedy his cold feet.

Director Carol Rice has assembled a strong cast, colorfully clad in fantastic costumes by Kerri Sims.  Set design by Jeff Vance and Joey Dietz created a perfect space for the action, with appropriate lighting design by Nikki DeShea Smith and sound design by David HM Lambert.

Aguirre plays Andrew with the right amount of trepidation.  His awkward chemistry with Nachazel is reminiscent of those junior high dances we all experienced.  But the longsuffering Andrew plays against “29-year-old virgin” Deirdre is fun to watch.  Deirdre is perfectly innocent and pure, and it’s fun to watch Nachazel in this role.  Ivy Opdyke is lovely as Lillian with a beautiful accent and a character with heart.  She is perfectly endearing and made me smile.  Nolan Spinks as Gary is abrasive and obnoxious, in a good way.  He brings the perfect amount of sleaze to his role and you can’t help but enjoy his presence.

Dennis GW Millegan is perfection as John Barrymore.  He displays a great range in this role with some very powerful scenes throughout.  Millegan knows how to command the stage, and he is a joy to watch.

And I would be remiss if I did not mention that every time Rebecca Litsey bursts onto the stage, it is a sheer delight!  She embodies the role of Felicia…think “Absolutely Fabulous” meets “Janice-from-Friends"…with her outrageous hair, overdone makeup, colorful costumes, and the voice to match.  I really enjoy the energy and life she brings to each scene.  Well done!

If you haven’t purchased tickets to see I Hate Hamlet at Pocket Sandwich Theatre, do that now!  It is a fun evening that you are sure to enjoy.  The show runs through March 23, and tickets are available here and at pocketsandwich.com  You don’t want to miss this one!

Audience Rating: PG-13 

Running Time: Just over 2 hours plus a 20-minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices Available: Not available

Sensory-friendly Showing: Not available

ASL Showing: Not available

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Flashing lights, some mild language

Production Sound/Lighting Level: Comfortable

Go See the Show!

Eddy Herring