The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

By Reduced Shakespeare Company: Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield

Directed by Edie Baran

All 37 of Shakespeare's plays, performed in 97 minutes! Fast paced, witty, and physical, it's full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike. The cast will weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave the audience breathless and helpless with laughter.

The cultural touchstone that is The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) was born when three inspired, charismatic comics, having honed their pass-the-hat act at Renaissance fairs, premiered their preposterous masterwork at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987. It quickly became a world-wide phenomenon, earning the title of London's second-longest-running comedy after a decade at the Criterion Theatre. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is one of the world's most frequently produced plays, and has been translated into dozens of languages.

Praised by the Los Angeles Times as “wildly funny” and by the Montreal Gazette as “the funniest show you are likely to see in your entire lifetime”.

 “A madcap condensation that features non-stop laughs. Done at a whirlwind pace and with great delight, they are sure to win over even the most skeptical. And there is no doubt that William Shakespeare himself… would approve.” Daily Variety

“If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!” The Today Show

This family-friendly show is recommended for children ages 10 and older.

Produced by Stage One Inc. at Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 South Main Street, Janesville

Performances: May 10-13, 2012

Performance Times: May 10, 11, 12 at 7:30pm; May 12 & 13 at 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: $7/students; $14/adults.
Opening Night Special: Thurs, May 10: all adults $10.

ADDITIONAL SPECIALS FROM THE BARD’S FOLIO:

Call 608-758-0297 or go to www.janesvillepac.org for reservations. For more information, go to www.stageonewi.org.

THE CAST & CREW: Edie Baran (Director & Co-Producer); Michael Stalsberg (Tech Director & Co-Producer); Kristen Loudon (Stage Manager); Allen Jeanette (Production Assistant); Naomi Houser (Costume & Props Designer); Donegal Browne (Assistant Stage Combat Coach); Michael Mugnani (Assistant Stage Combat Coach).
The Three Shakespearean “Scholars:” Jim Lyke, Dan Houser, Michael Mugnani
The Groundlings: Naomi Houser, Donegal Browne, Allen Jeanette

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:  Edie Baran has directed over 50 plays and musicals in the Rock County area, including Shakespeare’s MidSummer Night’s Dream and Comedy of Errors at Janesville’s Rotary Gardens. A few other directorial credits include the rollicking Greek comedy, Lysistrata; the American Classic, Death of a Salesman; and the commedia-style political theater, Aria da Capo. Edie is the founder and former Artistic and Education Director of SpotLight On Kids in Janesville, WI. She holds a degree in Theatre and Education from UW-Madison and has an extensive background in theatre as a director, actor, producer, improv instructor, storyteller, and creative dramatics instructor. One of her favorite roles as an actor was playing Kharon in Frogs. Edie was inducted into the United Arts Alliance Arts Hall of Fame in 2008 and was the recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 1999. You may reach her at: ediebaran@gmail.com

ABOUT STAGE ONE: Stage One’s mission is to entertain, educate, and creatively challenge its audience and crew by producing high-quality, thought-provoking plays, such as Pulitzer Prize winning dramas, American theater classics, Shakespeare, and other important pieces of theatre.  Stage One’s 2011 – 2012 season consists of Pulitzer Prize winners Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Michael Chase(Oct 2011); and Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Michael Stalsberg (Jan. 2012). Our season closer, the highly-acclaimed The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), will be performed May 10 - 13 and will be directed by Edie Baran. This non-profit theatre company is based in Janesville, WI. For more information, go to www.stageonewi.org, email: info@stageonewi.org, or call Edie Baran, producer, at 608-931-5705. Stage One representatives are available to speak to community service clubs, book clubs, and other interested organizations.