Shakespeare Classics Come to Life, Sort Of
By Rachel Johnson, Aiken Standard, S.C.
Aug. 2–All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.
Recognize these famous words? The truth behind Shakespeare’s infamous lines are held to the test in the upcoming Aiken Community Playhouse production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” The production is hailed as a comedy which displaces the revered. A clever mixture of riotous jokes, puns, willful misreadings of names and dialogue, female impersonations, clean-cut ribaldry and broad burlesque will take the stage with a gung-ho vitality that is impossible to resist.
The production has been a dream of director Nathan Greer for the past four years. He has been persistent in his quest to bring this comedy to life for Aiken audiences. The conversion of Shakespeare’s histories into a football game offers humorous moments, as does a rap version of Othello. Hamlet allows the actors to come into their own as manic clowns and, at its giddiest, the tone recalls the fabled Bullwinkle cartoon shows.
During the production, which will be performed as a Black Box production in the Bechtel Experimental Theater as a part of the ACP’s summer season, audience members will be coerced into participating in the play. The atmosphere is close and the humor abounds.
Tickets to “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” are currently on sale online at www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com, by phone at 648-1438 or by dropping by the ACP box office located at 126 Newberrry St. The show debuts on Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. with performances scheduled for the Aug. 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. Call 648-1438 for more information.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com
Want to Go?
What: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
When: Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
Where: Aiken Community Playhouse at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets: Online at www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com, by phone at 648-1438 or at the box office located at 126 Newberry St.
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Copyright (c) 2008, Aiken Standard, S.C.
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