CDS takes a turn at the Bard
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from June 1999.
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It is all the more remarkable because the play takes a cock-eyed view at the classics penned by William Shakespeare who is often interpreted in heavy-going, literal resplendence.
By arrangement with Warner/Chappell Plays Ltd., 'The Reduced Shakespeare Company's The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)' is to come alive. at the Prospect Playhouse in Red Bay through the energetic, sometimes ribald, slapstick action of three very able amateurs. Director Penny Phillips says she was hooked right from the start when she saw the production of the play in London. "Three lunatic Americans (or so they appeared) tearing down the revered Bard into slapstick comedy might not appeal to the purists among us, but they certainly hit my funnybone," she states.
She leads a hardworking team on- and off-stage that will spill its energy in bringing the spoof to life for four weeks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30pm, starting 10 June. It is not being featured as dinner theatre. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $8 young teens. For reservations, call Phillips Electricals at 949-5585.
Chris Mann, Dan Morisseau and Malcolm Ellis play the three offbeat characters who blazon out the fast-paced, unusual, trans-Atlantic and fu-un-nny take on the timeless works of English language's icon playwright and poet.
The work's claim to fame is "37 plays in 97 minutes". It has prompted the director to share a word or two with the audience in a prologue in the programme.
The play packs quite some surprises. Believe me, it's a rap, folks! Right: Some lively action in the segment on 'Romeo and Juliet' involves Malcolm Ellis and Dan Morisseau, caught at dress rehearsals.
Above: The three players revealing their versatility in a variety of roles, novel situations, costumes and wigs are (from left) Chris Mann, Dan Morisseau as Juliet and Malcolm Ellis.
