North Harford High school’s Drama three class is putting on a Black Box production of I Hate Shakespeare on January 25 and 26. Admission to the play is a canned good or a donation to the drama program.

According to drama teacher Nancy Green I Hate Shakespeare is actually not what it sounds like; instead of being critical about Shakespeare and his works it’s actually a comedic rundown of his greatest plays. The production takes bits and pieces of Shakespeare’s greats and adds modern comedy and explanation to make Shakespeare enjoyable for everyone.  

Directors, seniors Sammi Flickinger and Abby Renzulli, both believe the play is taking shape.  “So far everything is going very smoothly we have an outstanding group of actors and I think that we’re going to end up with an amazing product to show our community,” said Renzulli.   Flickinger added, “Everyone is working very hard and I’m very impressed on how much we’ve gotten done.”

Junior Katie Koerber plays Hamlet, one of the main roles in the play. Hamlet leads Unhappy person, played by senior Dan Goettel, through some of Shakespeare’s greatest productions. Unhappy Person represents how most people view Shakespeare, hard to understand and boring. “I hate Shakespeare is basically a letter to haters of Shakespeare saying ‘We see what you’re saying, so here’s an easier and much funnier way of viewing Shakespeare,’” Renzulli explained.

Koerber commented that they “have such a fantastic group of people which makes everything so much less stressful and so much more professional. Our directors are so organized and do such a great job, everything would be a mess without them. I’m also so lucky to act alongside Dan. He has outrageous stage presence and his humor makes the show.”  

If you need any more reason to come and see I Hate Shakespeare here’s one provided by Flickinger, “I think this play is going to be so amazing it’s fun and funny, you’re definitely missing out if you don’t come.” “Everyone should come see this play,” adds Goettel, “people a going to have a blast when they come to see it.”