Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), The

The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) is not the only work by the prolific Reduced Shakespeare Company. Their pieces include, The Complete History of America (abridged), All the Great Books (abridged), The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), The Complete Western Civilization: Millennium Musical (abridged), and Reduced Shakespeare Company Christmas. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to see one of their works in a small, intimate theater.

The cast includes Brian P. Evans, Desmond Hassing and Nathan Plummer, with the help of stage manager Bea Gonzales and tech Bryan Barbarin. The 1,228 pages of my "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" are condensed into less than two hours; yet, we are given a delightful taste of all The Bard is about, from sonnets to the somber Hamlet. OnStage Playhouse has, again, given us a well-executed, interesting production. Director Daniel Zisko takes a few liberties with an already insane script, injecting localisms as well as some mention of current events that have happened since the play was published 13 years ago.

The three actors work a hectic pace, at times so frenetic, some of the lines get squashed in the rush. I was forced to reread bits of the script to verify they had not strayed. They hadn't, except as noted earlier.

Whether you like or dislike Shakespeare, you can't help liking this nonsensical script as presented by three very talented actors who make it feel as though they are ad libbing. Their timing is close to perfect. The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) also requires a certain amount of audience participation. The audience I was in including two who performed a bit on stage -- had a good time. Director Zisko's totally neutral set includes a magnificent antique chair used in a couple of readings. Chad Oakley's lighting design works well. Gary Brengle's sound design includes several music selections not quite available at the time of Shakespeare. Dueling swords have been replaced with light sabers. Jane Russell's costume pieces set the mood and time. Alisa Williams' choreographic talents are well used.

If you're looking for a fun time at the theater, I strongly suggest going south to that little playhouse on Third.