The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)

Kevin Ritchie and Jeff Hanson in the Classical Theatre Project’s The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged).

No time to read all of Shakespeare’s plays? Consider watching 37 of them condensed into approximately 97 minutes of laugh-out-loud absurdity. Now playing for a limited engagement at Casa Loma, the Classical Theatre Project‘s hilarious production of The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) is a madcap lesson in all things Bard-related.

Staged on the picturesque garden terrace of Toronto’s historical castle, the show features the zany antics of Kevin Ritchie, Matt Drappel and Jeff Hanson, each playing a wide range of parts with the help of funny costumes, wigs, stuffed animals, a whoopie cushion and a severed head. Clad in brightly coloured tights, the talented trio perform all of the plays, from Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet, to a mash-up of all 16 comedies, Titus Andronicus as a cooking show, and the history dramas in the style of a football game (passing the crown from one successor to the next). Did we mention they act out the entire last scene backwards?

Kids and students will love the slapstick comedy and toilet humour, while adults can appreciate the playful and occasionally lewd reinterpretation of the text. This is as fun and fearless as Shakespeare gets! Don’t miss your chance to catch Ritchie, Drappel and Hanson in action, explore the grounds and grab a bite or a drink at the bar.

Classical Theatre Project’s The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) plays August 30, 31 and Sept 5, 14 and 21. Call 416-915-6750 for tickets, or visit completeworksabridged.com. Theatromania readers can use the discount promo code: SKULL.

Want to know more? Read our Q&A with the Classical Theatre Project here.

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