THEATER REVIEW

Tom Titus

Thirty years ago, Woody Allen received advice from the late Humphrey

Bogart on how to romance OCC alumna Diane Keaton in Allen’s inventive

comedy “Play It Again, Sam.”

Now at OCC, the spirit of John Barrymore is giving acting lessons.

Paul Rudnick’s comedy “I Hate Hamlet” is one of the most ambitious

projects yet undertaken by OCC’s student repertory players, and -- thanks

to a superlative performance by John Synco in the Barrymore role -- one

of the most fully realized.

While the play itself may flicker at times, as does OCC’s depth of

talent, Synco’s impersonation of the Great Profile makes this an evening

well spent.

The title comes from the sentiment of the play’s principal character,

Andrew Rally, a television actor with a modest allotment of fame from his

portrayal of a soap opera doctor. Transported to New York for some stage

work -- and staying in an apartment once occupied by Barrymore -- he’s

astounded to find his audition for the role of the melancholy Dane at the

Public Theater has been successful, and he’ll be playing it in Central

Park.

But Hamlet’s quandary over how to avenge his father’s death has nothing

on Andrew’s intimidated actor who, as he reminds us frequently, is not

overly fond of Shakespeare’s most famous character and really doesn’t

want to tackle the part.

Enter Barrymore, stage left, to show Rally how to really put the ham in

Hamlet.

Synco -- strutting and posing in perennial profile, his hair slicked back

with three quarts of oil -- delivers a Barrymore with all the renowned

thirst for booze and lust for the ladies that cinematic history has

recorded. He’s particularly effective while cozying up to the only two

characters, both female, who can’t actually see him.

The highlight of the show, however, comes in an extended fencing sequence

between Synco and Norm Leonard’s reluctant Rally. Choreographed by the

actors, director Frank Miyashiro and OCC adviser Rick Golson, it’s a

terrific exhibition of swordsmanship with some nifty tricks included.

Leonard assumes the necessary callowness to contrast Synco’s stage

electricity, but holds up his end of the duel, and the show, quite

nicely. He’s especially convincing in the pursuit of his virginal

girlfriend, Shelli Secor, who projects a starstruck goofiness that

requires a bit of acclimation.

Sean Gray enacts Leonard’s glib Hollywood producer buddy with all the

character’s stereotypical dollar-hungry attitude, but little impact

beyond the surface. Jodi Grigas has some sprightly moments as a real

estate agent doubling as a spiritualist, but Rudnick hasn’t given her

character the necessary clout.

In an interesting subplot, Ana Grenard as Leonard’s agent, who once had a

fling with Barrymore, somehow becomes the only woman in the show who

actually can see his spirit. Additional attention to the aging-up process

would make this reunion more effective.

Director Miyashiro’s work is impressive, particularly in the portrayal of

Synco’s Barrymore, who commands the stage with his ancient style of

showmanship. Set designer David Scaglione has created a splendid

Manhattan Gothic apartment, and the technical effects by Shawn Shryer are

positively thunderous.

You may or may not hate Hamlet, but chances are you’ll love “I Hate

Hamlet” at OCC. As the director commented, it’s like “Shakespeare in

Love” without all the boring love scenes.

FYI

WHAT: “I Hate Hamlet”

WHERE: OCC Studio Theater, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa

WHEN: Final performances Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $5 in advance, $6 at the door

PHONE: (714) 432-5640, ext. 1