Monroe Community Players will present a quick version of the Bard’s classics at dinner theater.
Monroe Community Players’ new work is challenging: present all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays — and a few sonnets — in just 90 minutes.
This weekend, director Brad Bowman and just two fellow thespians — Sarah Nash and Ashley Powers — will take on the task as they present the dinner theater “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]” at Dundee’s Old Mill.
All Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies are condensed and presented in quick succession, with lots of verbal jousting, wit and, of course, comedy and characters in tights.
“We have plenty of costume changes, with each of us portraying between 10 and 20 different characters. Some of (the changes) are quite fast, so we have Cara Kern and Kathleen McBee working as dressers for us. I’d be in trouble if I didn’t mention that costume design is being handled by my wife, Megan Bowman, with Cara Kern’s help,” said Bowman.
In typical Shakespearean fashion, the set is sparse. The show opens with “Romeo and Juliet,” followed by “Titus Andronicus,” which is presented as cooking show. “Othello” is a rap song, and a football game summarizes all the histories, such as “King John” and “Henry IV.”
There’s even a madcap version of “Hamlet” that involves chases and audience participation.
But, attendees shouldn’t worry about the Elizabethan language.
“There is some Shakespearean dialogue, but most of the show is in contemporary language. At other times we foul up some of the more well-known lines to comic effect,” said Bowman.
“I hope what the audience enjoys most is a big belly laugh,” he added. “Although it’s a pretty wild comedy, on some level, it’s educational, so maybe people could even learn to have some fun with this stodgy old literature. It also may be the only chance for anyone to see Ashley, Sarah and I do rap, so you don’t want to miss that. Ash and Sarah are great sports to do some of the things I ask.”
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)[Revised],” originally a play in London, is a fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting upcoming Monroe Community Players shows.
Catering by Scott will provide a buffet of roast pork or vegetable lasagna with sides and dessert. Coffee, tea and water are included in the $30 ticket price. Pop is an additional charge. A cash bar will be open throughout dinner and intermission. Tables seat eight.
“$30 for a dinner and a show is a pretty good price, so I hope people take advantage of that,” said Bowman.
The event is for teens and adults.
“I’d say the show is rated PG-13 for language, comic mischief and some adult situations. Guests should also be aware that there will be a cash bar for our patrons aged 21 and up,” said Bowman.
Both this play and the venue are new for the Players.
“This show is one I’ve wanted to do for a while,” said Bowman. “I think the group as a whole was interested in moving into new venues. One thing we’ve been thinking about is whether Monroe Community Players represents the City of Monroe or Monroe County. I think it’s the latter, and I’m excited to hold an event in Dundee,” said Bowman.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]” is the first dinner theater he’s organized.
“It’s been more challenging that I first realized, but I hope it’ll be more rewarding as well,” said Bowman.
Memorization and body aches are among the obstacles.
“Any full-length show with only three parts is going to demand a lot of memorization. There’s also physical comedy, pratfalls and such, so it’s a bit hard on the knees,” said Bowman. “Doing a play, any play, is hard work. The actor’s reward is the satisfaction of knowing they made the audience think or feel or laugh.”