I Hate Hamlet

Greetings Guys and Dolls, newbie here in need of some info about the comedy I Hate Hamlet. Our local theater company is doing it for our fall production, and I intend to audition for the role of John Barrymore's ghost. I understand that the show was rather a flop on broadway, but all the reviews i've read have been just incredible. Has anyone seen or been a part of this show? Also, I read that a bitter feud between it's 2 leading men was a major factor in it's failure on broadway. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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I've done Barrymore twice (once opposite a real live movie star playing Andrew!). Great role, very funny play without any real substance but an audience pleaser. It would help you to study Barrymore in "Romeo and Juliet" and "Grand Hotel" before your audition.
There is a very exciting swordfight between Barrymore and Andrew that closes Act One. That was where Nicol Williamson taunted Evan Handler one night, smacking him with his sword, and Handler walked offstage. Williamson was brought up on charges before Equity and Handler quit the show, bringing it to an early close.
Celeste Holm, Jane Adams, Adam Arkin and Caroline Aarons were also in the original cast.

I also LOVED the show on broadway. It's a fun script.

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IBDB doesn't list any replacements or understudies (although I find it highly unlikely that the show had no understudies), so I really can't verify who took over for Handler.

However, I saw Handler in the role and thought he was fabulous.
I HATE HAMLET production credits