Hamlet 1969

Dana Marschz begins his teaching career

Dana Marschz, a recovering alcoholic and failed actor, starts working as a high school drama teacher in Tucson, Arizona. He often produces poorly received school plays, mostly stage adaptations of popular Hollywood films, including his latest adaptation of Erin Brockovich. Despite believing himself to be an inspirational figure, he struggles to garner enthusiasm from his students.

New students transfer into Dana's class

At the start of the new term, a fresh batch of students are forced into Dana's drama class due to budget cuts limiting arts electives. The students are generally unenthusiastic and skeptical of Dana's methods, leading to tension, especially with a student named Octavio, with whom Dana comes into conflict.

Drama program threatened with closure

Principal Rocker informs Dana that the school's drama program will be shut down at the end of the academic year. Determined to leave a lasting impression, Dana decides to produce an original play to inspire his students and prove the significance of arts in education.

Dana writes and begins rehearsing his original play

Dana takes on the ambitious project of creating a sequel to Hamlet, involving time travel and controversial content, including the character of Jesus Christ. He aims to address the themes of forgiveness and familial relationships, with the play featuring a lively number called 'Rock Me Sexy Jesus'. The students initially respond with curiosity and some enthusiasm as rehearsals begin.

Conflict with students over the play

Tensions rise when Rand, cast as Laertes, becomes frustrated and leaves the group after being overshadowed by Octavio as Hamlet. Rand secretly provides the script to Principal Rocker, who orders Dana to halt the production, fearing the controversial content will provoke trouble.

Dana faces personal setbacks

Dana's personal life takes a downturn when his wife Brie leaves him for a new roommate, Gary, and reveals that Dana is infertile. This emotional blow causes Dana to fall back into alcohol abuse, and he nearly abandons the play project altogether.

Students rally to support the play

Encouraged by his students, Dana decides to push forward with the production. They secure a warehouse as a rehearsal space, gather technical staff, and involve the school’s football and wrestling teams for security, turning the project into a community effort despite obstacles.

Controversy and civil liberties issue

The cancellation of the play sparks controversy, with fanatical ACLU activist Cricket Feldstein leading efforts to defend Dana's right to produce the play. The event gains media attention, and the play is scheduled to open openly, with a sold-out audience including a critic from The New York Times.

Rand returns and joins the play again

After deserting the project earlier due to frustration, Rand returns, apologizing for his earlier departure. Dana welcomes him back, allowing Rand to reprise his role as Laertes, and the cast resumes rehearsals with renewed energy.

Opening night of the controversial play

The play premieres to mixed reactions, with its controversial content and mangled tribute to Hamlet. The plot, which revolves around characters using time travel to mend fractured relationships with their fathers, gradually wins over the audience despite protests from protesters in the crowd.

Play achieves critical acclaim

As the show progresses, it garners appreciation for its boldness and emotional depth, with both Hamlet and Jesus forgiving their fathers, symbolizing themes of reconciliation. The play’s success is bolstered by positive reviews, including one from The New York Times critic present at the show.