The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
The Reduced Shakespeare Company: (DVD)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Comedy Video
Starring: Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor
ISBN: 1-56938-624-2
Publisher: Acorn Media, $24.95
The Reduced Shakespeare Company and their Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is one of the funniest stage shows that I have seen in years. Whether you are a fan of Shakespeare or not, you'll enjoy this wonderful and intellectual show, which depicts rather shortened and funny versions of all his plays.
I first caught this show on PBS a few years ago when they were showing it during a pledge drive. I fell in love with it right away, and am now glad that it’s on DVD (as of 2003). This stage show is put on by just three marvelous actors, Adam, Reed and Austin, all of whom do an excellent job of cramming 37 Shakespeare plays into a 1 1/2 hour show!
The three-man troupe does an incredibly slapstick show that basically condenses all of the works of Shakespeare. As hard as it is to believe, they manage to do this with great hilarity, with those rare moments that truly show off what great works some of Shakespeare's plays really are. The show starts out with a quick bio on Shakespeare, after which they do a delightful and twisted version of Romeo and Juliet. They then whisk off to Titus Andronicus, depicted as a cooking show, and then Othello as a Rap song! They whip through Shakespeare's 16 comedies fairly quickly, since they’d rather do his tragedies as they are funnier that the comedies (according to the cast). From there, they continue on through all of Shakespeare's other works from plays to sonnets, all done with their unique style. Shakespeare would roll over in his grave if he knew what this comedy group was doing to his work.
This group is exceptional at the constant costume changes, acrobatic movements, and the timings of the show. I don't think I've seen a comedy group work together so well in some time, and these guys are just tops. Funny, witty and sometimes serious, these three guys puts together one of the best stage shows I have seen (and I've seen a bunch). I was personally astounded at some of the timing these guys pull off within the various skits they do, especially when doing Hamlet, in reverse no less!
There are some extras on this DVD too. One is a recording of the Romeo and Juliet scene from the very first tryout of this show. You also get a commentary options featuring the cast and the director. There is a cast bios section, entitled “Who Are These Clowns?,” plus a somewhat easy Pop Quiz that is fun only the first time through. The last extra option is English subtitles, which adds to the hilarity of the show.
For anyone who loves comedy, Shakespeare, or both, you really should check out this wonderful DVD. The price is a bit high, I will have to admit, but if you shop around like I did, you should be able to get it for under $20.
(review (c) June 2004 / David Flemming)