Hamlet

Dana Marschz, a recovering alcoholic and failed actor, takes on the role of a high school drama teacher in Tucson, Arizona. Despite his self-image as an inspirational figure, he struggles with a lack of enthusiasm from his students and his history of producing unsuccessful plays.

At the beginning of the new term, Dana's drama class faces an influx of new students who are forced to transfer in due to budget cuts. The newcomers are generally uninterested in his teaching style, and tensions arise, particularly with a student named Octavio.

Dana receives shocking news from Principal Rocker that the drama program will be shut down at the end of the term. In a bid to inspire his students and save the program, he decides to write and produce an original play.

Determined to create something unique, Dana writes a sequel to Hamlet that includes time travel to alter the fate of its characters and controversially introduces Jesus Christ as a character. The unconventional nature of the play, including musical numbers, astonishes his students.

Rand, one of Dana's students, becomes frustrated with being overshadowed by Octavio, who is playing the lead role of Hamlet. Feeling devalued, Rand storms out of the group and takes the script to Principal Rocker, jeopardizing the production.

Dana's personal life takes a turn for the worse when his wife, Brie, leaves him for Gary, their boarder. This revelation brings Dana to a breaking point, as he learns he is infertile, adding to his emotional turmoil.

Despondent after his wife's departure, Dana falls off the wagon and contemplates abandoning the play. However, his students rally around him to keep the production alive, showcasing their commitment and support.

The students take charge and secure an abandoned warehouse to host the play, even enlisting help from the school's football and wrestling teams for technical assistance. This resurgence of enthusiasm breathes new life into the project.

As news spreads about the play's controversial content, it becomes a civil liberties issue, drawing the attention of ACLU activist Cricket Feldstein. The movement garners more support, turning the production into a symbol of artistic freedom.

The play opens to a sold-out audience, including a critic from The New York Times. Despite the turmoil prior to opening night, Rand returns to the group and is welcomed back into his role as Laertes, mending his relationship with Dana.

The audience's initial reception of the play is mixed due to its bold content and deviations from the original Hamlet. Despite protests from some audience members, the performance starts to win them over as it progresses.

The play culminates with Hamlet and Jesus reconciling with their fathers, embodying themes of forgiveness and redemption. This impactful ending resonates with the audience and highlights the emotional depth of the performance.

As the play succeeds, Dana, along with his favorite actress, Elisabeth Shue, prepares for the Broadway opening. The journey from an uncertain beginning to the thrill of a Broadway debut signifies Dana's personal and professional triumph.