THEATER REVIEW: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged

If the recent production of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED is any indication of what Millbrook Playhouse has in store for us, this summer should be another winner. The Playhouse gets moved to the Lock Haven Elks for winter productions, so the shows are simple in sets, cast size, etc.  

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED has a cast of three who play all of the parts from the 37 plays (plus some assorted sonnets, sort of). This of course calls for fast costume and prop changes making the evening hectic and lots of fun - a true burlesque comedy.

The actors, Matt Harris, Chris Kateff, and Lawrence Lesher, never stopped. Remember that in Shakespeare’s day there were no women actors; all of the parts were played by male actors. Matt was assigned the female roles and that did serious damage to our belief that Cleopatra and Juliet were known for their beauty. He is a natural for slapstick comedy.

Chris had moments during the silliness that showed his training and talent in classical theatre. He also looks very good in tights, ladies.

Lawrence, who also directed the show, is familiar to Millbrook audiences, but this gave us a new view of his talents. I associate him with the King of Siam or Daddy Warbucks or the farce Lend Me a Tenor. It is good to know that he can show no fear in broad comedy as well.

Watching the fast pace and seemingly impromptu nature of the show, we forget to give credit to the backstage people. Keeping props and costume pieces straight must have been a Herculean task. Dressers Kristen Wettstein and Gavin D’Ulisee deserved their special curtain call.   

The simple, but effective set was designed by Ethan Shutika. The “Iron Lady” Ruth Ann Yannarella coordinated the costumes. Tricky lighting was overseen by Ethan Vail and stage manager was Alisha Tyler-Lohr. Kristen Wettstein can take extra credit for the laughter created by her  creative props.

I tried to find out if we would be seeing any of these talents during the summer season, but everyone was fairly quiet on the subject. The only thing that was admitted was that Lawrence Lesher would be directing one of the shows in the Cabaret. I am already smelling the scent of new farce.

Check out their schedule at www.millbrookplayhouse.org. It looks interesting. Remember there is a reason that they are starting their fifty-first year of summer stock theatre. For a theatre to be around for fifty-one years shows that they are doing something right.