Lyric Arts to Present THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), 3/28-4/13

Lyric Arts is set to blow high school English out of the water with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), coming to the Main Street Stage this Spring.

In this irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard's plays, three madcap men in tights weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave the audience breathless and helpless with laughter. This show is a high-speed, roller-coaster-like condensation of all of Shakespeare's plays, and is not recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear disorders, outer-ear disorders, degrees in Elizabethan history, or people inclined to motion sickness.

"If you have never seen the play or read the script, it is... awesome." says Director Michael Bruckmueller, "You're going to pay for the whole seat, but you'll just need the edge; it's very funny!" This is the version of Shakespeare that is not found in a high school English textbook.

This will be Bruckmueller's first time directing a show for Lyric Arts. He has previously performed at Comedysportz Twin Cities, and has been teaching improvisation and acting workshops at Lyric Arts for two years. "I've been asked to describe our take on The Complete Works many times," commented Bruckmueller, "but in the spirit of the show, I'm just going to give you the abridged version; it's going to be very good."

Theater lovers, literary fans, and Shakespeare enthusiasts are also welcome to join in an exciting "Page and Stage" event sponsored by the Anoka County Library on April 6th. All registered guests are provided with a free script and are invited to an exclusive facilitated discussion before the show. Guests are also welcome to stay after the show for a unique talk-back question and answer session with the cast and crew. To reserve your place for the "Page and Stage" event contact Cassandra Proball at 763-233-0806 or cassandra@lyricarts.org.

The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) opens March 28, 2014 and runs through April 13, 2014. Tickets for the production and reservations can be made by calling the box office at 763-422-1838 or by visiting the Lyric Arts website at www.lyricarts.org.