With a month delay due to an injury in the cast, Stage 9 continues its 100th Anniversary Season with the opening of its first mainstage production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]. Performances will take place March 3 to 5 and March 10 to 12, 2016 at 7:30 pm and at 2:00 pm on March 6 and 13, 2016 at Stage 9 at 9 South Main in downtown Hutchinson.
An irreverent, fast-paced romp, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] makes its triumphant return as one of the revivals in Stage 9’s 2016 Season. This high-octane comedy featuring Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies will leave audiences breathless and helpless with laughter. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged] parodies the plays of William Shakespeare with all of them being performed (in comically shortened or amalgamated form) by only three actors. Stage 9’s production will continue with the talents of Lynsey Becher, Matt Christian and Gaye Tibbets as no replacement was necessary thanks to the postponement.
The performance opens with an extended introduction which includes an airline style safety briefing, tele-evangelical fundraising effort and a muddled Nazi-inspired history of William Shakespeare’s life. The production then rushes through Romeo and Juliet with just two actors followed by Shakespeare’s tragedy Titus Andronicus performed as a cooking show ala Julia Child. A rap of Othello leads to a combined version of sixteen Shakespearean comedies. Before act one ends, the players have gotten through all of the plays except Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy.
Fast forward past an actor breaking down to act two when the cast finally tackles Hamlet. And before the blink of an eye, the curtain falls. Throughout the performance, the fourth wall is nonexistent with the actors speaking directly to the audience during much of the play. The audience will be in for many surprises along the way with some scenes involving audience participation. This is a Stage 9 production regulars and newbies will not want to miss.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] is directed by Charles A. Johnston. Other production team members include Kelly Gauthier (Stage Manager), Steve Gauthier (resident Shakespeare expert), Ellen McCarley (Costume Designer) and Paula Rothe (Properties Designer). Johnston also contributes Scenery and Sound Designs to the production.
Performances for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] will occur March 3 to 5 and March 10 to 12, 2016 at 7:30 pm and at 2:00 pm on March 6 and 13, 2016. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for ages 8-14. Children must be eight years old to attend Stage 9 productions. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at stage9hutch.com as well as at Apron Strings, located at the intersection of Sherman and Main Street in downtown Hutchinson three weeks prior to opening. Patrons may also purchase tickets at the door one hour prior to a performance. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] is performed by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishers, Inc.
All seating is general admission. The house opens at 7:00 p.m. for evening performances and 1:30 p.m. for afternoon performances. Stage 9 seats 85 people and seats are available on a first come, first served basis. To check performance availability, please contact Stage 9 by email at [email protected] or by phone at 316-350-PLAY (7529).
For more information about The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged], performances or to schedule interviews with the director, contact Charles Johnston at 646-628-4353 or [email protected]. You may also contact Johnston for information about program advertising or sponsorship for Stage 9’s 2016 Season.
