I Hate Hamlet | January 16 - February 1, 2026
Director: Bob Maddox
About
In the hilarious play, a popular TV star, Andrew Rally, reluctantly accepts the dream role of Hamlet, only for the ghost of the legendary actor John Barrymore to materialize in his apartment to coach him in acting and sword-fighting. As Andrew humorously wrestles with self-doubt, his girlfriend's romantic notions, and a tempting offer for a lucrative TV career, he is forced to choose between artistic integrity and fame. Enjoy non -stop laughs along with a unique blend of acting advice, ghostly wisdom, and swordplay.
Cast
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Vince Stillitano
Andrew Rally
Vince Stillitano is excited to return to ACT with this wonderful cast! You may have seen him previously in And Then There Were None, Arsenic and Old Lace, and The Play That Goes Wrong. Other local roles include 'Wadsworth/ Butler' Clue and 'Robert' Don't Dress for Dinner (Chagrin Valley Little Theater), The Squirrels and Wonderland Wives (Convergence-Continuum). Many thanks to you, the audience, for supporting live theater. Thanks to all my friends and family for their support, but most of all to the woman who joined me in marriage this fall, my loving wife Katie for all of her love and encouragement. LYTACAB
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Justin Steck
John Barrymore
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Shelby Carlisle
Deirdre McDavey
Shelby Carlisle is delighted to return to Aurora Community Theatre. Most recently, she played Sherrie in Rock of Ages with Millennial Theatre Project. A secondary English teacher, Shelby advises young thespians and dancers. Favorite past roles include Guinevere in Camelot (Hudson Players), Marian Paroo in The Music Man (Hudson Players), Jeanie in Brigadoon (ACT), Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Rubber City Shakespeare Company), Cinderella in Into the Woods (Olde Towne Hall Theatre), and Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Weathervane Playhouse). Shelby thanks you for supporting local theatre and hopes you enjoy the show.
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Sue Cohen
Lillian Troy
Sue Cohen is happy and grateful to return to the ACT stage, last appearing in Arsenic and Old Lace as Abby Brewster two years ago. She has performed in many other local theaters, most recently at Hudson Players in Florence, Stow Players as Amelia Tilford in The Children’s Hour, and A Nice Family Gathering as Mom at Aurora Community Theater. Favorite roles include Bella in Lost in Yonkers, and M’ynn and Ouiser (twice) in Steel Magnolias. Sue enjoys traveling and spending time with her three grandchildren. She is a graduate of GLMCC, and she would like to thank Jamie.
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Jenny Barrett
Felicia Dantine
Jenny Barrett is thrilled to be back on ACT stage. She was previously seen at ACT in The Sound of Music, The Boys Next Door, David Ives One Acts, Almost Maine, and Good People. She has been in over 30 productions since 2010, when she went from stage mom to performer! Improv is also one of her passions, and she performs with Unruly Dinner Guests improv troupe. Being a wife, mom, and gramma are her biggest passions, though. Love you Greg, and I see you Cinderella.
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Bob Ruiz
Gary Peter Lefkowitz
Crew
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Bob Maddox
Director
Bob is returning as a director to ACT after helming the Summer 2024 production of [title of show]. Bob earned his BFA in Theatre from Kent State where he went on to pursue his graduate degree in directing. For his Master’s project, Bob directed Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in Stump Theatre. Bob has staged more than 100 productions in Ohio, Texas and Florida. Some of his favorite projects include Equus,Bent, Master Class, Camelot, A Streetcar Named Desire, Moon Over Buffalo, Mame, The Philadelphia Story, Dames at Sea, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Also an accomplished actor, some of Bob’s favorite roles include Vanya in Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, Barney in Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner, George in Same Time, Next Year, Father Flynn in Doubt, and Charlie in August: Osage County (ACT). Next up, Bob will be staging Stephen Sondheim’s Follies for Hudson Players.
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Gwen Baker
Assistant Director
Gwen Baker is honored to join I Hate Hamlet as assistant director, stepping into their first production role at ACT. Gwen’s recent stage work includes Moritz (Spring Awakening, KSU Trumbull), Orlando (As You Like It, GCA), Antipholus of Ephesus (The Comedy of Errors, Twilight Theatre), Chuck (She Kills Monsters, MTP), Rogers (And Then There Were None, ACT), and Benvolio (Romeo & Juliet, GCA). They thank Bob Maddox for inviting them into this creative process—proving that the question was never truly “to direct or not to direct”—and their partner, Em, whose support remains their anchor.
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Steve Johnson
Producer
Steve Johnson steps into producing for the first time with I Hate Hamlet, energized by ACT’s mission and the creativity of this exceptional cast and crew. His theater journey began through his son Shane’s performances and quickly expanded into acting, board service, and behind-the-scenes leadership. Professionally, Steve manages global product development teams, bringing a strategic, collaborative mindset that translates surprisingly well to theater. He’s honored to support this production and excited to continue contributing to ACT’s growth and community impact.
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Allison Stark
Assistant Stage Manager
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Ann Nyenhuis
Stage Manager / Technical Director
Ann is thrilled to be continuing her work at ACT. She is beginning her twelfth season and loves working with all the incredibly talented volunteers, actors, and staff. Ann has a BM, cum laude, in vocal performance from Kent State. Ann has over 30+ years of experience in the technical aspects of theater. Ann spends what free time she has watching Cleveland sports with her husband, Dave, and spending new mother time with her new Australian Cattle Dog puppy, Alvin.
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Bob Schaefer
Set Designer
Bob is thrilled to be designing for ACT again! He has designed numerous shows both for ACT and other theatres in the area. His last designs were for The 39 Steps and Play On! last season. When he's not working in theatres, he can be found honing his wood working skills in his garage or spending time with his girlfriend Tracy, whom he sends his love out to! He also wants to let Harlo know that she'll be getting weekend walks again soon!
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Lance Switzer
Lighting Designer
Lance is happy to return to ACT since last lighting The Play That Goes Wrong. Lance has over 150 local productions to his credit at Berea Summer Theatre, Kalliope Theatre, Greenbriar (Cassidy) Theatre, Willoughby Fine Arts and Beck Center. He is recently retired and enjoys spending time visiting Ohio wineries, antique car meets, and driving thru our beautiful park systems.
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Maggie Hamilton
Sound Designer
Maggie has been the resident sound person at ACT since 2012 and appreciates all the tools at her disposal to help audiences hear the dialog of our great actors. Thank you Portage Foundation for the tech upgrade support. We also have a loop system for compatible hearing aids/cochlear implants and several receiver sets available to borrow. There is some interference close to the AEDefibrillator. Maggie is a former ACT Board of Trustee member and retired cochlear implant audiologist.
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Libby Gabor
Props Manager
Libby graduated from BGSU with a BAC in Design and Technical Theatre. Her most recent credits include co-props manager at Rabbit Run Theater, props managing for The 39 Steps here at ACT, and stage managing Secret in the Wings at Convergence-Continuum. Libby has worked most extensively prop managing for shows at Rabbit Run Theatre including Calendar Girls, Titanic and Newsies, and various other stage hand positions at Cleveland Playhouse and RRT. Libby would like to thank ACT for welcoming her back for her third show!
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Jerry Schaber
Lead Carpenter
Jerry is thankful to ACT for the opportunity to be a part of this production. He has participated in community theater both on stage and back stage for over 38 years. Over the last 5 years, many of the sets at ACT are the result of his work.
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Emily Wirthwein
Fight Coordinator
Sponsor
Info Coming Soon.