The weekend of Nov. 12- 15, Hillsborough Community College Ybor’s Theatre Department presented their fall production of I Hate Hamlet.

  This show had something for everyone: comedy, romance, ghosts, sword fights and most of all, Shakespeare.

  The black box theatre where the play ran provided an interesting contrast to the grand set and larger-thanlife characters. With only seventy seats, the audience was able to enjoy a more intimate play-going experience.

  The plot centers on a struggling TV actor, Andrew Rally, attempting to play the character of Hamlet for Shakespeare in the Park.

  Desperate for help, Andrew summons a former player of Hamlet, the legendary John Barrymore. The rest of the action follows the growing friendship between the two, while Andrew prepares for the massive role.

  Andrew was played by Adam Corson, with Barrymore played by Jakob Nordstrom.

  The show also examined Andrew’s relationship with his girlfriend, Deirdre, played by Brianna Anderson. Deirdre’s character, while highly dramatic, brought an innocent point of view to the theatre realm.

  Andrew’s real estate agent, Felicia, was played by Samantha Gines. Felicia’s true New York style made the character a hilarious addition to the ensemble.

  The characters of Gary and Lillian were played by Erik Schepman and Emma Richardson.

  Both are connected to Andrew due to his acting career, Gary a director and friend from L.A., and Lillian as Andrew’s agent.

  From Andrew’s financial worries, to method acting, to séances summoning former actors, Paul Rudnick’s I Hate Hamlet brilliantly captures the behind-the-scenes of a struggling actor. Rudnick even managed to incorporate an actual sword fighting scene into the action.

  In the spring, Ybor’s Theatre Department will be presenting Hamlet in the Mainstage Theatre. Come out April 7-11 to see one of Shakespeare’s most wellknown works.