Local theater goers know Nell Gwynn as one of the area’s talents from her performances as Gwen in “Rapture, Blister, Burn,” Eunice in “The Exit Interview,” Veronica in “God of Carnage,” Ann/Emily in “The Persian Quarter” and Margaret Walsh in “Good People.”
The actress has called Salt Lake City home since 2010. She began her professional career in Miami and is a veteran of New York stages after a 10-year period in such plays as “Candy & Dorothy,” “Kiss and Cry” and “Counsellor-at-Law.”
Now making her Pioneer Theatre Company debut in “I Hate Hamlet,” which runs March 20-April 4, the actress will take on the linchpin role of real estate agent Felicia Dantine.
In the play, Felicia conducts a séance to bring back the spirit of famed "Hamlet" actor John Barrymore to solicit advice for a discontented TV actor who is about to play the role of Hamlet in a prestigious Shakespeare in Central Park festival.
The play’s first act ends with the TV actor alone seeing the shadow of the striking profile of a man upon the wall as curtains blow and lightning illuminates the room, and the actor cries out: “I hate Hamlet!” The play comically deals with the question of just how relevant William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” is for modern audiences.
A Backstage casting magazine character breakdown says of Felicia: “A fad-ish dresser of questionable taste, she possesses a proud Queens, New York, accent. The role requires an actress of great charm, charisma, confidence and humor.”
In an email interview, Gwynn described the character she will play in PTC's upcoming production directed by Art Manke, a five-time winner of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award and nationally recognized for his productions of classics, musicals and new works.
Q: What intrigues you most about playing Felicia in “I Hate Hamlet”?
A: Playing Felicia intrigues me because she is the type of New York woman I admired when I lived there. Hardworking and a sense of humor! It's been fun making up her story.
Q: Why do you recommend “I Hate Hamlet”?
A: I recommend that audiences see this (play) because it covers all of the great theater bases: It's funny, it's heartfelt and it’s exciting and spooky and clever. It's such an appealing play.
Q: Where do you fall on the spectrum of “hating” the play “Hamlet”?
A: I definitely hate “Hamlet.” I got very heady about it as an acting student and realized he's just such a whiner. I have also never seen anyone great play it onstage. I do wonder if that would change my mind.
Q: What is the driving force that motivates you to continue performing?
A: I am motivated to continue performing because of the incredible people it always brings together. After New York City, I've found that the theater community here in Utah is particularly creative and surprisingly diverse. That, together with an intelligent, supportive audience, is very inspiring."
Content advisory: According to PTC's website, “I Hate Hamlet” contains mild language, alcohol consumption and “some swashbuckling sword fights.” The theater recommends the show for ages 10 and up.
If you go …
What: “I Hate Hamlet”
Where: Pioneer Theatre Company, Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East
When: March 20-April 4; Mondays-Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
How much: $25-$44, $5 more for tickets purchased on the day of the show; half-price tickets are available for grades K-12 on Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone: 801-581-6961
Web: pioneertheatre.org