“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” a review by local mom, Stefanie Grupp-Claspy - New Canaan & Darien Moms

Only Two More Weekends This Season

Summer Theater of New Canaan Is Putting on A Gem Saturday and Sundays til July 29

Wonderfully entertaining for the entire family – Experience all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in Downtown New Canaan in Christine’s Garden

This past Sunday Summer Theater of New Canaan (STONC) put on the premiere of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”. A comedy written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield that allows the entire family in a laid back atmosphere al fresco to experience all 37 of Shakespeare’s Plays in a little over an hour. The show is performed in Christine’s Garden (South Ave/Maple St, New Canaan) without intermission. The professional cast is winning the hearts of the young and old audience members within minutes. The comedy is an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.  While the director recommends the comedy for  all ages 7+ my four year old enjoyed it a great deal as well. Just know there will be sword fights and lives will end by the dozens given the speed of the production.

The Cast members Ella Raymont, Brett Alters, Oman Sade are directed by Allegra Libonati. They render wonderfully relatable characters that make kids burst into laughter and remind adults of the past readings of the various plays. Ella Raymont excels at keeping the fast pace and weaving all plays together as one single meta-text. Omen Sade (who also stars in Balloonacy this season) possesses a wicked sense of humor delivered as slapstick or mime. He is wonderfully attuned to his young audience members. Brett Alters is a cast member seemingly recruited from the audience to which he cannot help but returning throughout the play in his Vaudevillain-Burlesque renditions of many scenes. They all shine together beautifully and make this hour the most entertaining hour of this summer. Bring a blanket or chairs, a sun umbrella or reserve the seats against a donation. Water is for sale on site.

 

All other productions of the Summer Theater of New Canaan are given weekends til July 29 in Waveny Park accessed from the NC High School (Farm Road to High School, to tent). This season includes Kiss Me Kate, Peter Pan, James and The Giant Peach, Balloonacy and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Only the Shakespeare Comedy is free of charge. Free Admission, but tickets required. Tickets can be reserved online. Also remaining tickets will be distributed 40 minutes before curtain. Admittance only with ticket reserved online or distributed prior to performance. Park opens for seating 30 minutes prior to performance start. Bring your lawn chairs (high and low), blankets and picnic. Performances are outdoors, downtown New Canaan in the New Canaan Library’s Christine’s Garden. (Located at South Ave. & Maple St.)

 

Shakespeare is Presented FREE in conjunction with the New Canaan Library at the New Canaan Library’s Christine’s Garden Park.

 

Thank you to the local supporters of this unique offering: Bankwell, Karl Chevrolet, Walter Stewarts Market, New Canaan Community Foundation.

Visit Summer Theater of New Canaan for tickets and show times:

www.stonc.org

https://stonc.org/stonc-2018-events/complete-works-of-shakespeare

By Stefanie Grupp-Clasby

https://stefaniegruppclasb.wixsite.com/transatlantic

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