By Barbara Arnstein
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)”, a frenzied and hilarious play, combines excerpts from Shakespeare with the comedic energy of Robin Williams, the absurdity of Monty Python and lots of improvisation. Part of “Hamlet” is presented with sock puppets, while the sword-fighting scene at the end of it is described with the words, “Clink, Clank, Swish, Poke, Slice, Smack!”. At one point, a character comments, “With all those kings running up and down the field, the throne passing from one guy to the next, it’s exactly like football” and the action promptly changes to a wacky game of football, complete with announcing. Audience members should be prepared to participate, since the audience participation eventually encompasses the entire audience!
“Shakespeare” will be performed five times in early December in Fredonia, NY, as part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series, on December 4th, 5th and 6th at 7:30 p.m., and on December 6th and 7th at 2 p.m. Director Paul W. Mockovak, a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, said about this production, “Our objective with this is pure comedic entertainment. There are many familiar references, but done with a twist or comedic angle. Some plays are given more stage time than others.”
In 1997, after ten years at the Criterion Theatre in London, this play became London’s longest running comedy Although it was originally performed with a cast of only three actors, this production includes six: Chris Buettner, DJ Falone, Tali Kam, Ryan Okun, Katya Sacharow, and Lilyanna Whipple.
According to Mockovak, those more familiar with Shakespeare’s plays will enjoy the references to famous lines, while those not as familiar will equally enjoy “the approach and delivery of the humor”, and all can enjoy seeing the costumes by Assistant Professor Jessica Lustig. To summarize the play’s overall impact, these lines from the show itself express it well: “See, you guys? That speech is emotional and intellectual. The two can live side by side”.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, will be performed at the Bartlett Theatre, at the Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, located at SUNY in Fredonia, NY. The main entrance is at 280 Central Avenue. Tickets can be purchased by calling (716) 673-3501 or online at fredonia.edu, and all are general admission, which means that every seat is selected upon arrival. Tickets are $20 each, and all internet and phone orders have a $6 convenience fee.