I HATE HAMLET – Written by Paul Rudnick; Directed by Monica DiBiasio; Choreography by Ethan Vichek. Produced by Durango Arts Repertory Theatre (presented at Durango Arts Center, 802 East 2nd Avenue, Durango) through July 28. Tickets available at 970-259-2606 or info@durangoarts.org.
Every once and awhile, you come across something that really surprises and delights you. A terrific book, a pair of jeans that fit, a great burrito place, an unexpected kindness. But if you live in my world, it’s a company or a production that rises above your anticipation and breathes fresh life into a familiar script.
Such was the case on a recent trip to Durango, when I experienced the delight that is the Durango Arts Repertory Theatre (DART). Their production of I HATE HAMLET was one of the best shows I’ve seen in recent months. It featured two outstanding performances by Jason Lythgoe playing a sexy yet compassionate John Barrymore and Holdon Grace as Andy Rally, a mediocre TV star trying Shakespeare for the first time. Lythgoe is like watching a master class in acting; every gesture, every line delivery, even every silence as he watches the other actors is focused and authentic. He is charged with taking on the sacred responsibility of preparing Andy to tackle his first real live theatre performance in the daunting role of Hamlet.
Andy, in turn, starts as unsure and nervous about this gigantic task but warms under the tutelage of Barrymore. He evolves from a terrified amateur to a more confident amateur. Their growing friendship has exposed Andy to the magic of live theatre and he is forever changed. It is a beautiful thing to behold.
The remaining cast are gracefully perfect for their roles as well. The beautiful Susan Bennett as Andy’s older agent, Lillian, has had an entirely believable dalliance with a younger Barrymore in years past. She exudes nostalgia and is not at all surprised when he returns to woo her again. Shaunibah Morfin becomes the pushy but funny real estate agent (great New York accent) who knows how to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. Brian Devine is Gary, Andy’s buddy who is always on the lookout for an opportunity for himself and (sometimes) Andy. As a minor TV producer, he is always working on a great new project, not live theatre which he equates to “algebra on stage.”
The seventh character in this production is the absolutely gorgeous Art Deco set the actors have to play in. Designed by Sienna Widen, a recent graduate with an incredible talent and eye for detail, the red and gold walls create an opulence worthy of a movie star. The costumes by Wendy Ludgewait provide contemporary streetwear and elegant opening night gowns for the ladies and spectacular Hamlet looks for Barrymore and Rally.
If you go anywhere near the Durango/Four Corners area this summer to perhaps take the Durango to Silverton train (look into the bus option for the trip back), take a moment to check out the galleries and theatre activities at the Arts Center. A second theatre group – Merely Players – may also have something playing you would enjoy. Breakfasts at Oscar’s are also not to be missed.
A WOW factor of 9!!