February 8-20, 2022
The Benjamin School
4875 Grandiflora Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL  33418

After a nearly two-year hiatus, live performances produced by The Maltz Jupiter Theatre will commence February 8-20 with the laugh-out-loud comedy, I Hate Hamlet, performed at Benjamin Hall located inside The Benjamin School.  In this offbeat comedy, the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore returns to his old apartment in New York to convince television star Andrew Rally to take an offer to play Hamlet. Andrew is torn when he also receives an offer from a Hollywood friend for a lucrative part in a huge television show. Ultimately Andrew is forced to face his fears and confront the question: to be or not to be Hamlet?

The Theatre’s production is directed by Bill Fennelly, whose work has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, and on television.  Fennelly is leading a dynamic creative team that includes the talents of scenic designer Michael Schweikardt, lighting designer Amanda Zieve, costume designer Brittani Seach, and Tony Award®-winning sound designer and composer Fitz Patton, who created an immersive original score for this specific production. 

The six-person cast includes Tony Award® nominee, Tom Hewitt (known for his Broadway performances in Chicago, Dr. Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dracula the Musical, The Rocky Horror Show, and The Lion King), Alex Walton, Jeanne Bennett, Natalie Cordone, Patrick Halley, and Liz Shivener. In light of the current climate surrounding Covid-19, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has gone to great lengths to make sure “the show must go on,” including hiring three understudies – a first in the Theatre’s history of productions.  Understudies include Kim Cozort Kay, Alex Jorth, and Taylor Machesko. With such exceptional talent, audiences can expect incredible performances in this hilariously unique twist on Shakespeare’s original masterpiece. 

“After an unexpected two-year intermission for our Theater, we have been eagerly awaiting the return of live performances and are so excited this day has finally arrived,” said Andrew Kato, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director and Chief Executive. “As the renovation of our new facility nears completion, The Benjamin School has been an extraordinary partner in our endeavor to bring live performances back to our community and we could not be more grateful. Through this local collaboration, patrons will have the pleasure of seeing a high-quality, Maltz Jupiter Theatre performance in the school’s extremely comfortable and well-appointed Benjamin Hall. It will be a fantastic experience for all and a wonderful prelude for what people can expect when our new building opens on Indiantown Road in just a few short weeks.” 

In an effort to keep theatergoers safe, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and The Benjamin School are taking many precautions to protect patrons, actors, and volunteers. These precautionary measures include routine cleaning and disinfecting; the use of UV sanitizing wands; the vaccination of all staff, volunteers, cast and crew; multiple hands-free hand sanitizer stations; and the use of hands-free ticket scanning and digital programs. All guests aged two and over are required to wear a mask and guests aged five and over are required to present documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to the performance date, OR a negative Covid-19 Antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours prior to the performance date.  Alternatively, fully-vaccinated guests may present documentation (printed or digital) showing full vaccination status with their ID. Please visit our website for the latest guidelines and information: www.JupiterTheatre.org/HealthandSafety 

I Hate Hamlet is sponsored by Patty and Bob Hendrickson, Jodie and Dan Hunt and The ROY A. HUNT FOUNDATION, Marjorie Yashar, and 1000 NORTH.

Individual tickets can be purchased online now starting at $66 per ticket for Mezzanine seating.  For showtimes or to purchase tickets, please visit the Maltz Jupiter Theatre at Go.JupiterTheatre.org or call: (561) 575-2223.

(more…)