Fall Show Cast at Jacksonville College 

            Director of the theater program at Jacksonville College, Mary Lewis, announced today that the Fall Production at the school will be the hilarious comedy, I Hate Hamlet.  The show, written by multi-talented playwright, actor and screen writer, Paul Rudnick, takes place in New York City in the last half of the 20th century.  It is the story of a famous television actor, Andrew Rally, who has accepted the role of Hamlet in Joe Papp’s popular Shakespeare in the Park series.  Moving from Hollywood to New York becomes quite an adventure for Andy when he unknowingly rents the apartment of deceased Hollywood and Broadway star, John Barrymore.

            Playing Andrew Rally is president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, sophomore Matthew Moore.  The ghost of John Barrymore is played by sophomore Casey Claiborne.  Claiborne, an outstanding actor last seen as the Stage Manager in the college’s production of Our Town, is president of Cross Act Company, the school’s drama club, and vice president of Delta Psi Omega the theater honor society.  Andrew’s friend, Gary Stephen Lefkowitz, is played by sophomore Jack Meza, a multi-talented actor and musician.  New York real estate agent, Felicia Dantine is played by sophomore Patricia Mayo.  Mayo is a member of the college’s choir, singers and women’s trio as well as being quite a talented actor.  Freshman Jasmine Whisenant plays Deidre McDavey, Andrew’s girlfriend.  Whisenant, an excellent character actress, has appeared in the college’s productions of Pygmalion and Our Town.  The cast is completed by the character of Lillian Troy, Andrew’s agent and one of Barrymore’s old flames, played by freshman Krystal King.  King, in her first semester at Jacksonville College, is not only a member of the cast but sings in the school’s choir as well.

            The show’s technical staff includes, student assistant director Hayley Childs, stage manager Amy Curry business manager of Delta Psi Omega, lighting designer Josh Ross, costume designer Molly Walker, student assistant Carey Jones, construction crew chief Tommy Cockrell, hair and makeup designer Heather Coleman, and properties master James Heron president of Delta Psi Omega.  Additional technical crew assistance will be provided by members of Cross Act Company, Delta Psi Omega and the theater Appreciation Class.

            The show will be presented on Friday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  Advance ticket prices are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students (elementary through college).  At the door, tickets will be $6.00 and $5.00.  Group tickets (groups of 10+) prices are available.  Tickets can be purchased at the school’s book store and library.  Call Mary Lewis at 903-589-7132 for further information or email mlewis@jacksonville-college.edu. Season tickets for all theater programs are available for $22.50.