The Hilberry Theatre opens I Hate Hamlet, a comedy by Paul Rudnick at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2005, and runs through Thursday, March 31, 2005.

The action unfolds in Andrew Rally's apartment, which was previously occupied by legendary film actor John Barrymore, located in New York City's Washington Square. Rally, who just recently moved to the East Coast following a modest career in television in Los Angeles, is cast as the lead role in the Shakespeare in the Park's production of Hamlet. Though encouraged by his agent and girlfriend to accept the role, Rally tries to justify reasons for not playing Hamlet. Intoxicated and dressed in full Shakespearian regalia, Barrymore's ghost temporarily moves back into his old home to groom Rally for the role.

I Hate Hamlet opened on April 8, 1991 at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City, starring Nicol Williamson playing John Barrymore. Williamson caused quite a media frenzy when he threw numerous temper tantrums onstage and hit fellow cast member Evan Handler, the actor who played Andrew Rally in this production, with a sword. Following this incident, Handler never returned to the production and Williamson's theatrical career was ruined. Though it had a tumultuous run on Broadway, I Hate Hamlet continues to be performed to packed houses in regional, community and college/university theatres across the country creating riotous laughter in each location.

Born in 1957, screenwriter, playwright and producer Paul Rudnick is known for finding the humor from even the grimmest of subjects. Tackling contemporary topics such topics as AIDS, homosexuality, sexism and death, his plays include: Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and Valhalla. Best known for his screenplays, Rudnick's works include: Sister Act (written under the pseudonym Joseph Howard), Addams Family Values, Jeffrey, In and Out and the remake of The Stepford Wives.

Directed by James Luse, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Head of the BFA Acting program, the cast includes: Tony Bozzuto (John Barrymore), Patrick Moltane (Andrew Rally), Chris Roady (Gary Peter Lefkowitz), Amanda Rae Jones (Deirdre McDavey), Tiffanie Kilgast (Felicia Dantine) and Jennifer McConnell (Lillian Troy). Designers for I Hate Hamlet are Kristen Compton (scenery), Andrew Morehouse (lighting), Elizabeth Moore (costumes) and Josh Fisher (sound). This is Luse' first year at Wayne State University. Previously, he taught theatre at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

I Hate Hamlet opens on Friday, February 4, 2005, and plays through Thursday, March 31, 2005, in rotating repertory with Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

Ticket prices range from $13-$22, with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Theatre box office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass and W. Hancock. Performance information may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.hilberry.com.

Season sponsored by Between the Lines, Dearborn Times-Herald and the MetroTimes.