THEATRE REVIEW: Good Company’s ‘Complete Works’ completely works.

“I am not mentally equipped for ‘Hamlet’ at this time!” 

This line is from the Shakespeare-loving Canadian television comedy “Slings & Arrows,” popped in my head as the the witty and entertaining “Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” —-at 2nd Space Theatre through August 4—-hit the end of its first act. How could anyone face the Tragedy of the Prince of Denmark after all of this. . . well. . . mirth?

“Complete Works” has been a staple of community and regional theatre for the last few decades and features three actors (representing the Emcee, the Scholar, and the Novice) undertaking the task of condensing all 30+ plays of Shakespeare into one performance. Rooted in sketch and improv comedy, the script benefits from tight performances, topical references, physical comedy, linguistic skill, and a distinct lack of formality. The Good Company Players’ production delivers on all counts. Whether you are a long-time lover of The Bard or someone who cares not a whit about sonnets, there is something here to make everyone laugh.

Seeing Double

Nicely directed by Mark Standriff, this “Complete Works” is double-cast with the casts splitting each weekend’s performances. That means you can go two nights in a row and taste two different flavors of the same script. Unlike other double-cast shows, this production depends so much on improvisational timing and particular pop culture references, it can truly feel like two distinct productions at times. That’s part of the fun! 

I saw the Avon cast first, which features R.L. Preheim (Emcee), Casey Ballard (Scholar), and Noah Miranda (Novice). Theirs is a wacky form of comedy that plays up both the high language and the lowbrow humor in the broadest strokes. The movement and speech roll along precariously and occasionally feel like they are about to tip over the whole endeavor. It never quite does, though. Their commitment to character-driven improv and a sense of play creates a genuine chemistry between the performers that is a pleasure to watch.

The Stratford cast has a sharp, pointed style driven by a sense of urgency and subversion. Henry Montelongo (Emcee), Alex Vaux (Scholar) and Michael Fidalgo (Novice) deliver the language with a smooth clip and a tight pace. The result is a savvy set of performances that emphasizes the clever wordplay and wit of the script, even while keeping the physical comedy sharp. Their pointed undertones highlight the absurdities of Shakespeare without demeaning them. 

Long story short: Avon Cast = Second City. Stratford Cast = Monty Python. Pick your comedic poison. They’re both terrific.

Designing “a-props-pos”

The design of a show like “Complete Works” can be deceptively simple. A lot has to happen to make the whole production look entirely improvised, even though key sections are rehearsed to within an inch of their lives. I liked David Pierce’s set design featuring Shakespeare as comedy/tragedy masks and a tie dye floor. The lighting by Joielle Adams and costumes by Ginger Kay Lewis-Reed were exactly as needed (and given the number of wigs, pumpkin-pants and knee pads involved, that’s no small feat). And special props (so to speak) to props manager Elizabeth Fiester and the backstage crew for handling a daunting number of items as actors fly in and out of scenes. 

All in all, Good Company Players’ “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is an excellent rendition of what is now a comedy classic. It pokes irreverent fun at the absurdities of Shakespearean plays, while simultaneously acting out a love letter to them. It’s creative, accessible, and downright hilarious. At less than two hours, it makes a great date night or family outing you won’t need to be “mentally equipped” for. 

Nota bene: While much of “Complete Works” is family-friendly, the comedy is still based on the Bard. Some of Shakespeare’s humor has bawdy elements and sexual themes. If you don’t want your children hearing about such things, this may not be for them.