Stage One’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) brings to life all of the Bard’s 37 plays in 97 minutes (or so), and a few of his sonnets. Originally written and performed by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, this show has its roots in Renaissance Faires. Although touted as a parody of Shakespeare’s voluminous works, I think we must keep in mind that we are not ridiculing him, but rather closely imitating his style for comic effect. If the parody does lean towards ridicule, it’s in the performance choices we’ve made. I see this Troupe playing characters who are a well-meaning, but not too knowledgeable, group of bad actors who are convinced they are Shakespearean scholars (except for Dan Houser – he’s just along for the ride)and they will be presenting us with the ultimate of Shakespearean interpretations. And, hence, lays the comedy.
The fun for this production team has been in the process of making this show truly ours. The playwrights give permission to production companies to cast as many players as they want, and to make changes to the script. We have added three Groundlings, and have made a few changes and additions to the script. Throughout rehearsals, each member of the Troupe has contributed significantly to this creative process.
So, whether you’ve seen this show or not, this production will be brand new!
Why Should You See This Production?
- To hear Jim Lyke pontificate (again, and again, and again …..)
- To see Dan Houser in some of the ugliest wigs in existence
- To feel the thrill of young love as Romeo (David Graham) pursues Juliet (Dan Houser)
- To listen to those 3 above, joined by Naomi Houser, Donegal Browne, and Allen Jeannette perform the Othello Rap
- To applaud Naomi’s and Donegal’s twin cartwheels
- To LAUGH A LOT!
- To discover who Bob really is
- To see Jim lyke have a total breakdown on stage
- To see Abbey Jorgenson go crazy backstage, running around, trying to help 3 men dress themselves!
- To hear Kris Loudon expertly call cues
- To LAUGH A LOT!
- To experience the true magic that is Shakespeare!
ADDITIONAL SPECIALS FROM THE BARD’S FOLIO:
- Act III: Fri, May 11: After-glow in lobby, FREE Meet & Greet Actors and Crew
- Act IV: Sat, May 12: 6:30 PM, Pre-show discussion with Nick French, UW-Rock County English Professor, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres: $5 – Pay at the Door (no reservations needed)
- Act V: Sun, May 13: Mother’s Day Buffet, 12:30 in JPAC gallery, tickets include the buffet & a reserved ticket for the show: $30 adult; $23 student; $18 kids under age 12. Reservations by May 8: call 608-758-0297
What the critics say: Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “wildly funny” and by the Montreal Gazette as “the funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime”.
“A madcap condensation that features non-stop laughs. Done at a whirlwind pace and with great delight, they are sure to win over even the most skeptical. And there is no doubt that William Shakespeare himself… would approve.” Daily Variety
“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!”
The Today Show
THE CAST & CREW: Edie Baran (Director & Co-Producer); Michael Stalsberg (Tech Director & Co-Producer); Kristen Loudon (Stage Manager); Allen Jeannette (Production Assistant); Naomi Houser (Costume & Props Designer); Abbey Jorgenson (Running Crew)
The Three Shakespearean “Scholars:” Jim Lyke, Dan Houser, David Graham
The Groundlings: Naomi Houser, Donegal Browne, Allen Jeannette
