Atlantic Stage takes on Shakespeare works in comedy

Leave ’em laughing is the aim of the closing show at Atlantic Stage, with its latest and last-for-the-season production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” a fast-paced, 97-minute rollercoaster ride through all 37 of the bard’s plays, written by the trio Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield.

Artistic Director Thom Penn, who directs this production, chose this play when a problem arose with producing the first choice.

“We promised our audience a comedy,” he said, noting the play is loud, fast and funny. “‘Complete Works’ is most definitely a comedy, and it flirts with the classical canon by incorporating a significant amount of Shakespeare’s language.”

Atlantic Stages’ cast is comprised of Coastal Carolina University alumnus Stephen Craig and Atlantic Stage company members Jason Adams and Marc McIntyre, who parade their considerable skills before the audience with great hilarity. Each actor has a variety of roles, both male and female.

This trio has impeccable comedic timing, and the play allows them to display a range of skills from a witty line to slapstick, from elegant humor to frat-boy shenanigans. The parodies are hilarious for the most part, and there is some audience participation. This is one play where the set, a simple Tudor-era village, played only a background role. The costume designs by Kris McIntyre add much to the humor by emphasizing various aspects of the characters and in the way they fit the actors.

Each actor shines in individual performances and with perfect timing throughout the show. Favorite portrayals include Craig as Juliet in a long red gown, Adams as Polonius and McIntyre as Hamlet.

The play does cover all 37 of the Bard’s stage plays, with 36 given the whiz-bang treatment and Hamlet as the finale. Everything — the introduction, scene changes and even the intermission — play a role. “Complete Works” makes for a fun evening and is a lighthearted way to end the season.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Atlantic Stage takes on Shakespeare works in comedy."