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The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]

June 2, 2016
Evening Star Productions presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised] from June 17th through June 26th at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. An irreverent, fast paced comedic condensation of all the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was written in 1987 by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield (aka Reduced Shakespeare Company), and was first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  It eventually ran for nine years in London’s West End.  Featured are all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, meant to be performed in 97 minutes, by three actors.  To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Singer and Winfield thoroughly revised the show to bring it up to date for 21st century audiences, incorporating some of the funniest material culled from numerous productions that have been performed around the world, as well as references to various contemporary cultural touchstones. Renamed The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised] the show is notable for – among other things – holding the world record for the shortest ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at 43 seconds, as well as the fastest performance of Hamlet backwards, at 42 seconds.

Evening Star’s artistic director Rosalie Grant has enlisted Savannah Rootes to direct the production: “I’m so excited to be directing my first play and the fact that it’s Complete Works makes it extra special,” Rootes says. “As the first show I stage-managed, Complete Works holds a special place in my heart. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning the ropes and what it really takes to be the brains of the operation. The best part was working beside Rosalie Grant. By the end of my first show with her we were on the same brainwave. I really grew up while expanding my skills in stage management and direction. I’m psyched that I’m re-entering the world of Complete Works. It is funny, witty, and the perfect combination of physical and intellectual comedy. The cast is incredible and the staff at Sol Theatre provides awesome support. It will be a show you won’t want to miss.”

Taking on over 1000 roles in the production are Alex Weiss, Edward Scott, and Seth Trucks – all of whom are well versed in the works of the Bard. Alex Weiss’ numerous stage credits include the roles of Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, and Caliban in The Tempest.  Edward Scott has played The Grave Digger in Hamlet, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Lorenzo in The Merchant of Venice. Seth Trucks studied classical theatre at the British American Drama Academy and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and has performed with the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival. 

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised] will run from June 17 – 26 at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. Tickets are $15 and $10 for students. Group rates are also available. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased  by calling 561-447-8829 or on line at www.eveningstarproductions.org. For more information about Evening Star Productions visit www.eveningstarproductions.org  or contact Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 /info@eveningstarproductions.com. 


Warning! This show is a high-speed roller-coaster type condensation of all of Shakespeare’s plays, and is not
recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear disorders, outer-ear disorders,
Shakespearean scholars, degrees in Elizabethan history and/or people inclined to motion sickness.
Evening Star Productions cannot be held responsible for expectant mothers!