Starting Wednesday, June 4, and officially opening Friday, June 6, William Shakespeare’s most famous plays will be condensed in to one entertaining spoof in the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s last production of the season, “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged).”
Directed by Resident Director Nicole Capri, the production is a parody of the plays of Shakespeare, with all of them being performed in shortened and side- splitting, form.
Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (former founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company) and first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987, “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)” later played at the Criterion Theatre in London, where it ran for nine years.
It has become one of the world’s most popular shows, playing in a variety of languages, and is most notable for holding the (self-proclaimed) world record for the shortest-ever performance of “Hamlet,” clocking in at just 43 seconds.
There are a few special programs going on this month for the production, which will be running from June 4-29:
- Pay What You Can Night, The Rep, 601 Main St., Little Rock: Take advantage of The Rep’s “Pay What You Can Night” on Wednesday (June 4). Patrons can pay any amount they wish for their ticket. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office at 601 Main Street the day of the performance. The Box Office will be open from 9 a.m. until the curtain time. Tickets are limited to (2) two per person. The show starts at 7 p.m. The offer is based on seating availability.
- Preshow Director Talks, The Rep: A preshow talk will take place on the set with director Capri and Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp, as well as members of the creative team before both shows 6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday (June 4-5).
- Distinguished Lecture Series, Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock: From noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday (June 5), Hupp will host the cast from the play for a panel discussion on hilarious spoof. Admission is free. Call the Clinton School at (501) 683-5239 for reservations.
- Opening Night, The Rep: Opening night for “The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)” on Friday (June 6) will include a post-show reception with the cast immediately following the show. Complimentary champagne and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The show starts at 8 p.m.
- Member Night, Shakespeare 411, The Rep: Join Hupp as he presents an interesting and humorous abridged history about Shakespeare, his life and his works. A meet-and-greet will start at 5:30 p.m. and the discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. Event is free to members and $10 for non-members. RSVP to cbays@therep.org.
- Schlafley Tasting, sponsored by the Arkansas Times, The Rep: Enjoy this exciting new brew from Golden Eagle, light bites and live music in Foster’s Bar before showtime on The Rep’s main stage at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances are at 7 p.m., while Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday Matinees performances are at 2 p.m.
Purchase tickets online here, call (501) 378-0405 or visit the theatre Box Office, 601 Main St., Little Rock.
For more information about the play, click here.