This weekend offers the last chance to catch fellow Rams running around on stage while cross dressing and reciting some of Shakespeare’s most iconic lines.
The CSU Theatre will wrap up “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” at the University Theatre at the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St., on Sunday.
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Directed by Garrett Ayers and performed by two separate casts, the piece summarizes the entirety of Shakespeare’s work in one show.
From start to finish, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is an interactive and playful comedy. It is a satirical take on classic Shakespeare plays, performed by only three actors changing from one costume to the next at a manic pace. This performance was less of a show to watch and more of a performance to be involved in.
From beginning to end, the actors engage the audience and instigate crowd participation, from doing the wave, to having audience members jump on stage to help the actors in their performance.
Though many of Shakespeare’s original iconic lines are recited throughout the show, mixed in the dialogue are hilarious modern-day paraphrases.
Along with adapted dialogue are pop-culture and cable television references narrated by the actors and clever DJ, Alex Inthapatha. The acting is fun and flamboyant, and cramming all of Shakespeare’s plays into 90 minutes gave the players quite the workout.
The male cast features Chris Olson, Ryan Miller and Tony Vessels on Thursdays and Saturdays, and the female cast features Molly McGuire Davis, Shelby Vicino and Allison Hatch on Fridays and Sundays.
Shakespeare’s original work in this play is condensed in creative ways that are captivating and keep the audience engrossed. Because only three actors are on stage, they utilize props, costumes and even puppets for a fun approach to even some of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies.
There is something for everyone in this performance; from ominous fog to fake blood, break dancing to Pac Man — and you can be sure there is no shortage of jokes about genitalia.
Whether you know of all the works of Shakespeare or have never read a single Shakespearean sonnet in your life, this performance will keep you interested and laughing. If nothing else, in true Shakespearean fashion, there is plenty of cross-dressing.
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Tickets are $8 for CSU students, $8 for youths younger than 18 and $18 for the general public. They can be purchased from the box office or at http://csuartstickets.universitytickets.com. CSU students get in free on Thursdays and members of the general public get in free on Sundays.
Collegian A&E Writer Kedge Stokke can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com and on Twitter @KedgeStokke.
