Comedy continues this weekend at Southside

Southside Theatre Guild will keep audiences laughing this weekend with the continuing run of the Fairburn theater’s latest show, “I Hate Hamlet,” by Paul Rudnick.

The show, which opened on Feb. 8 and will continue its run through Feb. 24, tells the story of Andrew Rally. Andrew seems to have it all: celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York City apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park.

There are, however, a couple of glitches in paradise. Andrew's series has been canceled; his girlfriend is clinging to her chastity with unyielding conviction; and he has no desire to play Hamlet.

When Andrew's agent visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew's apartment. This prompts the appearance of Barrymore’s ghost, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, and Andrew's life is no longer his own.

Barrymore, fortified by champagne and ego, presses Andrew to accept the part and fulfill his actor's destiny. The action becomes more hilarious with the entrance of Andrew's deal-making friend from Los Angeles, spouting the laid-back hype of the coast and offering Andrew a fabulous new TV deal worth millions of dollars. The laughs are nonstop as Andrew wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and the fact that he fails as Hamlet in Central Park.

Southside has placed a PG-13 rating on this show as some content may not be suitable for young children.

The show is directed by Newnan resident Tammy Hyder Williams. Ian McCarthy stars as Andrew Rally and Gary Morgan appears as John Barrymore. The role of Deidre McDavey is being played by Bethany Ivey of Fayette County while Rachel White of Coweta County fills the role of Felicia Dantine. Coweta resident Lori Lewis takes stage as Lillian Troy.

“I Hate Hamlet” will play Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 24 and all shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children. All tickets for Thursday shows are $12.

Southside Theatre Guild is located at 29 West Campbellton Street in Fairburn. For more information or to purchase tickets call 770-969-0956 or visit the Web site at www.stgplays.com.

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