West Chicago students perform speedy Shakespeare
Polonius was right: Brevity is the soul of wit.
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged),” taking the stage this weekend at West Chicago's Community High School, is both short and funny, packing the Bard's 36 plays and 154 sonnets into about 90 minutes.
“It's a fun, not intimidating play. Even if you don't normally like Shakespeare, you'll love this,” cast member Elena Tubridy said.
The play, originally written for three actors, features 15 students in scenes that cover the basic plot and references to all the Bard's work, from “All's Well that Ends Well” to “A Winter's Tale.”
Of course, the playwrights had to take a few liberties with the Bard's work to fit everything in. In the fast-paced parody, “Titus Andronicus” becomes a cooking show and “Othello” is a rap.
“It perfectly combines mockery and respect for the world's most famous playwright,” cast member Dan Stompor said.
Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Nov. 18-20, in the Weyrauch Theatre at Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago.
“I agonize over the selection of shows to find just the right fit that pushes students to new heights and gives them exposure to awesome literature and different styles,” said director Mark Begovich, an English and drama teacher at Community High School.
On the audition sheet he handed out to students, he explained his choice:
“Simply, this show is hysterical. When putting together this year, I wanted to focus on the idea of ‘The Story' and why we are telling stories. There is no better writer than Shakespeare, but I also think it is great to have fun and laugh. … No leads just having fun ‘play'ing on stage, which is what I want us all to do play!”
Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students.
For details, visit wegotheatre.com.
If you go
<p>What: “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged),” staged by Community High School</p>
<p>When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday, Nov. 18-20</p>
<p>Where: Weyrauch Theatre at Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago</p>
<p>Cost: $5 adults, $3 students
Info: wegotheatre.com</p>