To be or not to be…eh, that’s too long already.
It might be better to just skip to the…rap battle? No, we are better off just going to the lightsaber fight…?
If you are confused, then you clearly have not yet seen Xavier University’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]. It is true that practically every single work of Shakespeare is referenced or said aloud during this hour and a half performance and it is a sight to behold.
The Approach
The framing of this show is that three college students will attempt–in an hour and a half–to condense the complete folio of the Bard into one show. What follows is a quick-witted, hilarious, off-the-wall performance sure to make any fan or hater of Shakespeare laugh.
There are no real ‘roles’ in this show other than the three students who play themselves. Josi Pietrzyk, Loften Cooper, and Hannah Barbee take to the stage to reenact (to the best of their comedic abilities) each tragedie, comedie, and historie in their entirety. There is special focus on a few select plays leading to some hysterically over the top Scottish accents, some muppet-esque puppet shows. There are even some references to our modern world such as the inaccuracies of ChatGPT and other technological anomalies.
Directed by Dave Powell, the show is a true delight to watch as his skill in comedy–and teaching comedy–runs deep. A Xavier faculty member, Powell is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory, Writing, and Graduate programs. He’s been Artistic Director of OTRiMPROV and worked at numerous Cincinnati theatres.
The staging of this show is intimate, having the audience sitting on the stage in a black-box style set-up with seating in the round. The set is intentionally half-baked lending itself well to the amateur styling of the performers.
The set and design team credits go to: Joe Beumer (Light Designer), Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer), Raya Franklin (Sound Designer), and Joe Leonard (Set Designer and Technical Director). All of their hard work is clear in the intentionally under-done costume and set design. Their artistic vision brings you into the world of this (intentionally) half-baked Shakespearean production. It feels genuine. Combined with the stellar comedic timing and acting, it looks like “a bunch of friends having a good time being goofy together.” (Full credit to my wife for that observation.)
Overall
Overall, the show is well worth your time. Even if you haven’t read Shakespeare since high school or college, I would highly recommend this show to anyone looking for a warm laugh in these cold months.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)[Revised]’ is running at Xavier University until February 15th. To purchase tickets go to: https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200483791. Learn more about Xavier Theatre ‘s upcoming shows CLICK HERE.
