La Sierra University drama presents parodied works of William Shakespeare

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised],” created by three comics in 1987, will be performed at La Sierra’s Matheson Hall, with two performances at Loma Linda University. Under direction of Marilynn Loveless, La Sierra University drama director, the production will star Carl Canwell, director of creative media at Loma Linda University, and La Sierra adjunct English and drama professors, respectively, L. Kelly Reed and Scott William Ray. 

Canwell holds a Master of Fine Arts in film, and Reed is an award-winning Shakespearean language coach with a Master of Arts in English. Ray holds a Master of Fine Arts in performance from Harvard University.

The La Sierra production marks the first occasion the three actors have performed the Shakespearian parody.

The work features all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays intended to be performed in a 97-minute amalgamation of wit, improvisation, pop culture references and audience interaction. Created by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, it premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987 then played at the Criterion Theatre in London for nine years. It became an international sensation and has been adapted in dozens of languages.

Says Ray, “I’ve done Shakespeare plays before and I’ve done crazy, improvised, modern comedies so it’s a pleasure to mix the two in one show. 

You know you have a good play if in just reading the script you are laughing out loud to yourself. There’s romance, epic fight scenes, Shakespeare rap and I could go on but I don’t want to give too much away,” he said. “I feel like this is what Shakespeare would look like if “Saturday Night Live” had three of their actors play really silly characters that decided they could do all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in one 90-minute show.”

“There is a significant amount of audience interaction, compared to a typical play, and there is definitely some improvisation throughout the play,” Canwell said. “What I like best about this play is that it’s very physical, with sword fights, hitting golf balls, and throwing props around the stage. It has been a lot of fun and all three of us have to be on our toes and ready for anything, which makes for a good play.”

La Sierra’s performances at Matheson Hall will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 25; Sun., Oct. 26; Thurs., Oct. 30, as well as Sun., Nov. 9; Thurs., Nov. 13; Sat., Nov. 15; and Sun., Nov. 16. Tickets are $10 for general admission.

Free showings will be held Sat., Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m., at the Randall Visitor Center, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda.

For information and ticket reservations call the box office at 951-785-2241, or email drama@lasierra.edu.