Hamlet

Dana Marschz is introduced as a recovering alcoholic and unsuccessful actor who now teaches drama at a high school in Tucson, Arizona. Despite his aspirations to inspire his students, he struggles to engage them, particularly as his past attempts to produce plays have been met with criticism.

At the beginning of the new term, Dana learns that due to budget cuts, his drama class is the only arts elective remaining, leading to a wave of new and unenthusiastic students. This change sparks conflict between Dana and Octavio, a particularly rebellious newcomer.

Principal Rocker delivers the devastating news that the drama program is set to be shut down at the term's end. Dana is determined to save the program and inspire his students by creating an original play that will showcase their talents.

In a bid to inspire his class, Dana decides to write a bold, original sequel to Hamlet, which hilariously incorporates time travel and irreverently introduces Jesus Christ into the storyline. This ambitious project includes an outrageous musical number titled 'Rock Me Sexy Jesus'.

As the students start to engage with the project, Rand, feeling overshadowed by Octavio, quits the drama group in frustration. He later turns in a copy of the controversial script to Principal Rocker, resulting in a significant blow to Dana's production.

Dana faces a personal crisis when his wife, Brie, leaves him for a boarder named Gary. This betrayal devastates Dana, leading him to lose hope in his work and himself, particularly since he learns he is infertile.

Overwhelmed by despair, Dana relapses into alcoholism, contemplating abandoning the play entirely. However, his students rally around him, showing their support and rekindling his passion for the project.

The students take the initiative to help Dana resurrect the play by securing an abandoned warehouse to use for rehearsals. They even manage to arrange technical assistance and security through their high school's sports teams, uniting in their efforts to make the play a success.

As interest in the play grows, it becomes a focal point for civil liberties discussions thanks to ACLU activist Cricket Feldstein. This new attention elevates the stakes for the production, as it now symbolizes more than just a school play.

The play opens to a sold-out audience, including a critical reviewer from The New York Times. This moment represents a culmination of effort and support from Dana's students, with Rand returning to mend his relationship with Dana and being allowed back into the cast.

Upon its premiere, the play receives a mixed reception from audiences due to its controversial themes and unconventional narrative style. The characters experience a comical journey through time as they attempt to reconcile their troubled familial relationships.

Despite facing protests from objectors in the audience, the play gradually wins over many of the skeptics. The mix of humor and heart allows for redemption stories, particularly as Hamlet and Jesus find closure with their fathers.

As the play prepares for its Broadway opening, Dana proudly introduces his students to Elisabeth Shue, who he is now dating. The moment highlights the merging of Dana’s personal and professional triumphs, showcasing the growth he has achieved throughout the journey.