WATERVILLE, Maine – When seasoned director Sumner Hayward agreed to direct “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick for Aqua City Actors Theatre (ACAT), he knew it would be a challenge.
The play chronicles insecure TV actor Andrew Rally as he attempts a stage version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” a role made famous by the great actor, John Barrymore. Luckily for Rally, a séance delivers Barrymore, who is more than happy to school him in the ways of great acting and show him what it means to be a man – a manly, manly, man.
“Although the script is wickedly funny,” explains Hayward, “it does present some challenging technical issues including doors that close on their own, flickering lights and an intense swashbuckling swordfight.”
Knowing that the actors needed coaching on swordplay, Hayward turned to veteran fencing instructor Jeffrey Eagen of Belgrade Community Fencing Club. Although Eagen has taught fencing for the past 22 years, he had never worked a stage combat scene with actors.
“Fencing is all about quick small moves and stage combat is all about seeing the action and there will be a fair amount in the presentation. I’m confident the audience will enjoy the action and comedy in this presentation,” states Eagen.
Actors Bart Shattuck and James Paine are enjoying the experience. Paine states, “This show is a lot of fun. I get to do some drama, some comedy, some sword fighting and I even get to kiss the girl. It’s a win-win all the way around.”
Shattuck quipped, “stage combat is more like a highly choreographed dance than an actual fight. It’s like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with swords. In this case, James is Ginger.”
For Director Hayward, having Eagen provide professional fencing instruction allowed him to create a dynamic fight scene which, although thrilling to watch, is safe for the actors to perform night after night during the show’s two week run.
See the swordplay in person as ACAT presents “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick at the Studio Theater, 93 Main Street, Waterville. Performances are June 1-2, 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. June 3 and 10 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and senior citizens and are available at the door, or can be reserved by calling the Waterville Opera House at (207) 873-7000, or on-line by visiting the Waterville Opera House website at www.operahouse.org; Seating is limited, so please make reservations early.
For more information, visit ACAT at www.acattheatre.org.
About Aqua City Actor’s Theatre: Aqua City Actor’s Theatre (ACAT) – Founded in 1997, and run by a group of dedicated volunteers, ACAT brings live theatre to the people of central Maine. Along with a commitment to supporting and nurturing the creative spirit in its actors and stage support personnel, its intimate, 62 seat Studio Theater offers audiences a unique and visceral theater experience. ACAT – Inspiring Art, Creating Community. For more information on upcoming productions or becoming a part of ACAT’s community, please visit our website at: www.acattheatre.org or like us on Facebook.

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