Interview: Reduced Shakespeare Company's Reed Martin & Teddy Spencer Talk New Shakespeare Show

Since its pass-the-hat origins in 1981, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has created ten world-renowned stage shows, two television specials, several failed TV pilots, and numerous radio pieces, all of which have been performed, seen, and heard the world over. The company's itinerary has included stops off-Broadway, at the White House, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, London's West End, Seattle Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theatre and Montreal's famed Just For Laughs Festival, as well as performances in Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Malta, Singapore and Bermuda, plus countless civic and university venues throughout the USA, the UK, and Europe.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company's William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (Abridged), despite its "abridged" status, is a play packed to the point of bursting. The show is stuffed with characters, costume changes, references, and most importantly laughter, as all of Shakespeare's works are condensed into a single, wild ride. Austin Tichenor, Reed Martin (who also co-wrote the piece), and Teddy Spencer sprint all over the stage, speaking Shakespearean language at what feels light speed. Because Long Lost intertwines plot devices and lines from a variety of Shakespeare's plays, the more familiar with the Bard you are, the more you will appreciate how deftly the trio weaves them together. Still, the Reduced Shakespeare Company once again pulls off what they do best: fast, physical, and fearless fun.

BWW's Kevin Pollack & Katherine Damisch recently sat down with Reed Martin & Teddy Spencer after their show to discuss the history of the company and more! Take a listen here!

Photo Credit: www.reducedshakespeare.com