Reviews
I Hate Hamlet

Tue, Jun. 22, 2010

Airy comedy becomes a solid treat
--By Howard Shapiro

David Birney (left), as the ghost of John Barrymore, makes evening his own, playing mentor to unskilled actor portrayed by Patrick Hayden in "I Hate Hamlet."

 

"In this production, in which veteran actor David Birney (Amadeus, a doctor early on in TV's St. Elsewhere) makes a fabulous case for the value of having a mentor. In Hamlet's costume, Birney's Barrymore doesn't teach so much as woo the sad actor into being more than a money-grabbing TV face.

...It's Birney's evening, for sure...

His Barrymore seems real...when he makes the case for glory over to fame, Birney harnesses the inner power of Rudnick's concoction."

...at Birney's entrance after about 15 minutes, everyone revved into action and there we were, watching a different play with what seemed like a different cast - a strange dynamic that can happen when an ensemble falters, then finds, its timing."

 

 

Cape May Star and Wave

Jul 08, 2010

The antics in 'I Hate Hamlet' are utterly captivating.

----Ed Wismer

David Birney as Barrymore and Karis Danish as Deidre in I Hate Hamlet.

"...David Birney was born to wear tights. In his many TV roles, I never had the opportunity to see his superbly athletic legs. He has a flair for wearing the dashing Barrymore duds. The same goes for Hayden when he appeared in full Barrymore/ Hamlet regalia.

Birney is spot on as Barrymore's ghost. Barrymore was known as "The Great Profile," and Birney looks great whether viewed from the side or full front. He has a lighthearted way with a line, both sardonic or serious. He undoubtedly gets and keeps your attention even in Barrymore's hammier moments. He deserves a hearty bravo..."