Castle Craig Players Cut Shakespeare Down To Size

Do you love Shakespeare? Do you hate Shakespeare? Are you just confused by Shakespeare? It doesn't matter because the Castle Craig Players have the perfect solution - "THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED)", running February 22-March 9 at their intimate Meriden cabaret venue.

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, "THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED)" is a side-splitting comedy in which all 37 Shakespeare plays are presented in a hilarious mash-up all in 90 minutes! Three madcap men in tights weave their way through all of Shakespeare's comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard's plays, "THE COMPLETE WORKS..." is one of London's longest-running comedies, and has been seen at the Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, and has toured the world to international praise for nearly 20 years. The Today Show raved "If you like Shakespeare, you'll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you'll LOVE this show!"

"On the surface, it's the type of show that looks easy, but is actually very complicated - from the frantic pace, to multiple costumes, crazy props, and then there's all that dialogue," said director Melanie Del Sole. "So, I went into this show both excited ... and terrified."

The cast of three (who tackles over 20 characters each!) includes Castle Craig alumni Griffin Kulp (Patsy in "Spamalot"), Bobby Schultz (George in "The Drowsy Chaperone") and Ian Galligan (Crumpet in "The Santaland Diaries").

The creative team also includes Oliver Kochol (Assistant Director), Meg Ryan (Stage Manager), and Dusty Radar (Lighting Designer).

"THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED)" runs for three weeks only - February 22-March 9 (Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, with a special Thursday performance on February 28 at 7:30pm) at The Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, 59 West Main Street, Meriden, CT. Presented Cabaret Style with table seating, patrons are invited to bring their own dinner, drinks and snacks to enjoy!

Tickets are $20 for Adults and $18 for Seniors (65+). Seating is extremely limited - so patrons are encouraged to buy in advance! Tickets may be purchased online at www.CastleCraig.org or over the phone by calling toll-free 1-800-838-3006.

"THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED)" is sponsored by Thompson Chocolates.