Imagine trying to perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes.
Impossible, right? Well…
This is the concept behind the play “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. Originally performed by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, the Temple College Division of Fine Arts will take on this fast-paced comedy two nights in a row, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3-4, in the Jackson-Graeter Backstage Theatre of the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center.
“Audiences don’t have to know the works of Shakespeare to enjoy the show. But those who are familiar with the Bard are sure to get a kick out of the brief but inventive adaptation,” said Dr. Derek Mudd, Producer and Chair of the Temple College Theatre Program.
The design team for the show is composed of award-winning artists. Set, properties, lights and sound are provided by Natalie George Productions, an Austin-based company, led by Natalie George, with clients that range from Texas Monthly and Alamo Draft House to Yoga with Adrienne and AMC. Costume design is provided by Angela Mirabella-Friedman, a frequent key costumer for HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” who has also worked on films that include “Black Swan” and “Demolition.”
Although the show is abridged, the bawdier and bloodier moments in Shakespeare’s plays have made the cut, so viewer discretion is advised, Mudd said.
“The style of the show is like a Saturday Night Live version of Shakespeare. It’s fast-paced and silly with a naughty sense of humor,” said Dr. Sara Harris Baker, dean of Temple College’s Division of Fine Arts, who directs the play. “It’s been a great way for students to work on their comedic timing while also learning more about Shakespeare’s famous quotations and characters.”
Tickets are free for Temple College students and $5 for faculty and the general public. Proceeds from ticket sales are used to provide student scholarships. Tickets can be reserved at CentralTickets.com. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m.
The ensemble cast includes Breanna Ameigh, Kaiden Bailey, Ashlynn Bridges, Cameron Caple, Hayley Cavazos, Maddie Clark, Andrew Cloe, Lazeria Dean, Michael Fernandez, Saniyah Galbreath, Talon Hayes, Merry Hayes-Gates, Noah Marshall, Thomas Painter, Caleb Rinehart, Marshall Scott, Maverick Shepherd, Courtland Snelling and Stone Wall.
The play is produced by Dr. Derek Mudd. Set, props, lights, and sound are designed by Natalie George Productions. Costumes are designed by Angela Mirabella-Friedman. Others who work on the play include Technical Director Michael Morris, Stage Manager DeLisa McClennon, Assistant Stage Manager Clifford Lowery, Wardrobe Assistant Cameron Caple, Hair and Makeup Assistant Maddie Clark, Props Assistant/House Manager Noah Marshall and Set Assistant Andrew Cloe.
ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE
Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto and Taylor, offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.