What Dreams Are Made Of – COMPLEAT WRKS OF WLLM SHKSPR ends run at Ark Rep today

WllmShksprToday is the final chance to experience what Shakespeare has in common with football, cooking shows, rap and psychology.  The Arkansas Repertory Theatre production of The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) plays at 2pm and 7pm today.

Life is short. The complete works of Shakespeare are long. Now all of the bard’s most familiar pieces are condensed into one hilarious rollercoaster spoof! Ending The Rep’s season is an entertaining romp where audiences will see all of Shakespeare’s plays, reduced in madcap fashion, in less than two hours.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (former founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) later played at the Criterion Theatre in London, where it ran for nine record-breaking years.

The cast includes Rep favorites Avery Clark (Hamlet, Henry V, Death of a Salesman, The 39 Steps) and Ethan Paulini (The Full Monty, Avenue Q, White Christmas, Tommy) and Rep newcomer Patrick Halley.  The show is directed by Resident Director Nicole Capri. The design team includes Costume Designer: Shelly Hall, Set Designer: Chris Pickart, Lighting Designer: Dan Kimble, Sound Designer: Allan Branson and Properties Designer: Lynda J. Kwallek.

The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) is a parody of the plays of William Shakespeare, with all of them being performed in shortened and sidesplitting form.

It has become one of the world’s most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages, and is most notable for holding the (self-proclaimed) world record for the shortest-ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at just 43 seconds. You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare, or even familiar with his plays, to enjoy this inventive, fast-paced comedy!

 

 Avery Clark, Patrick Halley and Ethan Paulini. Photography by John David Pittman.

Much Ado about Shakespeare tonight at Arkansas Rep

william-shakespeare Much Ado about Shakespeare

5:30 p.m. | Meet & Greet

6:00 p.m. | Discussion Begins

Join Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp as he presents an interesting and humorous abridged history about Shakespeare, his life and his works.

The event is free to Members and $10 for non-members. RSVP to cbays@therep.org.

This is one of a series of events for members of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre that are connected to productions on the Rep’s MainStage.  This is in conjunction with The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) which opened on Friday and runs through June 29.

Bond with the Bard – Enjoy Arkansas Rep rip-roaring production of The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)

WllmShksprWhat does Shakespeare have in common with football, cooking shows, rap and psychology?  You can find out when the Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged).

Life is short. The complete works of Shakespeare are long. Now all of the bard’s most familiar pieces are condensed into one hilarious rollercoaster spoof! Ending The Rep’s season is an entertaining romp on stage June 4 – June 29, 2014, as audiences will see all of Shakespeare’s plays, reduced in madcap fashion, in less than two hours.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (former founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) later played at the Criterion Theatre in London, where it ran for nine record-breaking years.

The cast includes Rep favorites Avery Clark (Hamlet, Henry V, The 39 Steps) and Ethan Paulini (The Full Monty, Avenue Q, White Christmas, Tommy) and Rep newcomer Patrick Halley.  The show is directed by Resident Director Nicole Capri. The design team includes Costume Designer: Shelly Hall, Set Designer: Chris Pickart, Lighting Designer: Dan Kimble, Sound Designer: Allan Branson and Properties Designer: Lynda J. Kwallek.

The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) is a parody of the plays of William Shakespeare, with all of them being performed in shortened and sidesplitting form.

It has become one of the world’s most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages, and is most notable for holding the (self-proclaimed) world record for the shortest-ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at just 43 seconds. You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare, or even familiar with his plays, to enjoy this inventive, fast-paced comedy!

 

 Avery Clark, Patrick Halley and Ethan Paulini. Photography by John David Pittman. 

 

ROCKing the TONYS – On the Bard’s birthday, Shakespearean actor Maurice Evans

Rock the Tonys

Maurice Evans as Shakespeare's Richard II

Maurice Evans as Shakespeare’s Richard II

Maurice Evans

Little Rock connection: Appeared at Robinson Auditorium in 1947 and 1949.

Tony Awards connection: Though primarily known for his classical roles, usually in the plays of Shakespeare, his two Tony nominations came for non-classical roles. The first was in 1957 for a revival of Shaw’s The Apple Cart and the second came in 1961 for the musical Tenderloin. He did receive two Tony Awards, but not for his acting. In 1950, he received a special Tony for producing a successful season of theatre at New York’s City Center. In 1954, he received a Tony as producer of The Teahouse of the August Moon, which was named Best Play.

(Evans’ claim to fame for wide acclaim was his role as Samantha’s father on “Bewitched” on TV.)

 

450 Years of the Bard

SHakes450Today is the traditionally observed birthday of William Shakespeare. It is known he was born in 1564, which makes this the 450th birthday.

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre earlier announced the lineup for the 2014 season.   The dates have now been announced.

Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare – June 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, 19, 21, 22
Enjoy a romantic evening under the stars with Shakespeare’s comedy of best friends divided by love, featuring wise-cracking servants and a playful pup.  This will be performed outdoors at the Hendrix Village in Conway and in North Little Rock.  One of Shakespeare’s early plays, it features romantic mixups, disguises, deception and a happy ending, all of which would become hallmarks of Shakespeare’s comedies.

Pippin featuring libretto by Robert O. Hirson and score by Stephen Schwartz – June 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22, 25, 27
Based loosely on the lives of Charlemagne and Pepin, it tells the story of a young prince named Pippin who undertakes a musical journey of self-discovery that celebrates the magic of theatre. The current Broadway production was the winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival.  This will be presented in the Reynolds Center on the UCA campus.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare – June 20, 21, 24, 26, 28
Perhaps Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, Prince Hamlet seeks to revenge his father’s death.  Directed by Robert Quinlan, who helmed the acclaimed 2012 production of Richard III, it will be presented in an intimate on-stage setting at the Reynolds Center.

The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare – June 24, 26, 28
This will be the touring production in a pared down special adaptation of Shakespeare’s rip-roaring farce, perfect for kids of all ages.

 

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will be presenting The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) June 4 through 29.

A parody of the plays of William Shakespeare, this comic romp features all of the Bard’s plays being performed in shortened, and side-splitting, form.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (former founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) later played at the Criterion Theatre in London, where it ran for nine record-breaking years.

It has become one of the world’s most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages, and is most notable for holding the (self- proclaimed) world record for the shortest- ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at just 43 seconds.

You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare, or even familiar with his plays, to enjoy this inventive, fast-paced comedy!

a parody of the plays of William Shakespeare, with all of them being performed in shortened, and side- splitting, form.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (former founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) later played at the Criterion Theatre in London, where it ran for nine record-breaking years.

Rep Resident Director Nicole Capri

It has become one of the world’s most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages, and is most notable for holding the (self- proclaimed) world record for the shortest- ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at just 43 seconds.

You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare, or even familiar with his plays, to enjoy this inventive, fast-paced comedy!
– See more at: http://www.therep.org/attend/productions/CompleatWrksofWlmShkspr/#sthash.0dYAjSpc.dpuf

The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)
The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)
The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)

The Play’s The Thing at UALR Shakespeare Scene Festival

bardofavonThe annual Shakespeare Scene Festival started yesterday at UALR.  It continues this morning. The Shakespeare Scene Festival is a UALR event sponsored by the Departments of English and Theatre Arts and Dance. It takes place in March in the UALR Center for the Performing Arts (University Theater). Its main purpose is to provide teachers and students a venue for the performance of Shakespeare’s plays.  One of the purposes is to demystify Shakespeare for students in school.

It was founded by Roslyn Knutson in 1998 and inspired by a workshop at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

The schedule for today includes:

9:35 – 10:00
In Fair Verona
Central High, Drama I
Instructor: Dr. Rhonda Fowler

10:05-10:20
From A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sheridan Middle
Instructor: Amber Forbush

10:25 – 10:50
Richard III
J.A. Fair High, GT 10
Instructor: Allison McMath

10:55 – 11:20
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act III, Scenes 1 & 2 and Act V, Scene 1
J.A. Fair High, Freshmen Troupe
Instructor: Christina Cereghini

11:25 – 11:40
The Banquet Scene from Macbeth
Mayflower High, Drama
Instructor: Di Baldwin

11:45 – 12:00
From A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sheridan Middle
Instructor: Amanda Honea

12:05 – 12:30
From Much Ado about Nothing, The Tempest, Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, and The Taming of the Shrew
Parkview Arts-Science Magnet High School
Classic Scene Study
Instructor: Fred Boosey

Among yesterday’s presenters were Central High, Mayflower High, Sheridan Middle and Warren Dupree Elementary.

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre 2014 Lineup

AST_logoLittle Rock native Rebekah Scallet, the artistic director of the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, has announced the lineup for the 2014 season.  In announcing the season, she has described the shows as being about people in search of their identity.

Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare
Enjoy a romantic evening under the stars with Shakespeare’s comedy of best friends divided by love, featuring wise-cracking servants and a playful pup.  This will be performed outdoors at the Hendrix Village in Conway and in North Little Rock.  One of Shakespeare’s early plays, it features romantic mixups, disguises, deception and a happy ending, all of which would become hallmarks of Shakespeare’s comedies.

Pippin featuring libretto by Robert O. Hirson and score by Stephen Schwarz
Based loosely on the lives of Charlemagne and Pepin, it tells the story of a young prince named Pippin who undertakes a musical journey of self-discovery that celebrates the magic of theatre. The current Broadway production was the winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival.  This will be presented in the Reynolds Center on the UCA campus.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Perhaps Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, Prince Hamlet seeks to revenge his father’s death.  Directed by Robert Quinlan, who helmed the acclaimed 2012 production of Richard III, it will be presented in an intimate on-stage setting.

The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare
This will be the touring production in a pared down special adaptation of Shakespeare’s rip-roaring farce, perfect for kids of all ages.

Specific dates and further details will be announced soon.