Glorious madness
by Michael
Dresdner
Photo by Jason Ganwich
L to R: skull, Coleman Hagerman, Alex Smith, Luke Amundson, severed head
With her
unerring eye for humor and a truly amazing cast, director Suzy Willhoft has
brought one of the stage’s funniest properties to a new and greater height of
hilarity and lunacy. The Complete Works
of Shakespeare Abridged (revised), now playing at Tacoma Little Theatre, is
the update of a screamingly funny mishmash of all (yes ALL) of the Bard’s plays
delivered not in warp speed, but rather in warped speed. Along with out-and-out
mockery of Shakespeare, there’s wild physical comedy, bawdy jokes, malapropisms,
cross-dressing, mondegreens, and plenty of sexual innuendo.
It may
seem like an onslaught, but it’s only a three person cast; Luke Amundson,
Coleman Hagerman, and Alex Smith, all of whom are well beyond
outstanding. They race on and off stage cycling through a wealth of voices and
mannerisms, and endless rapid fire costume changes, creating dozens of different
characters and a lot of buffoonery.
The
updated script is funnier than before, but still has room for expansion with
local and timely references, like one to Downton Abbey added by Willhoft. Improvisation
also rears its delightful head, especially when the cast turns their impish
attention to the audience. By the end of act two, they’ve dragged everyone into
the mania, whipping the audience into a laughing, roaring frenzy. You’re never
sure if you or the guys on stage are having more fun.
Along
with great actors, a top notch property, and very adroit direction was a stellar
support group in the background. I certainly don’t envy costume designer
Michele Graves who created heaven knows how many truly funny outfits. Niclas R.
Olsen did his usual excellent job with lighting, as did Blake R. York with the
set/backdrop. However, the backstage angels who really deserve a bow are Sarahann Rickner, who not only did props (there were plenty!) but also served
as stage manager, and her ASM Sophie Nevins, the backstage dresser known as "Bob" who keeps the out-of-sight
lunacy running smoothly.
The only
sad aspect of this play is that it only runs two weekends, so you have tonight,
tomorrow and next weekend to see it, and that’s all. And strangely, tickets are
only $10, which certainly means that if every seat is not filled for every
remaining show, the heavens themselves will surely weep.
Don’t
let that happen. Re-arrange your schedule and do what must be done, but make
sure you see this show. It is simply too perfect, and far too funny, to be
missed.
The Complete Works of
Shakespeare Abridged (revised)
Feb. 22 to March 3, 2013
Tacoma
Little Theatre
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