Review: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED] at Human Race Theatre Company

Skip the nunnery! Instead, get thee to the Human Race Theatre Company for their production of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED) [REVISED].

Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, THE COMPLETE WORKS boasts all "38 plays in 97 minutes, give or take a few plays and a few minutes" and they completely deliver. Whether you are familiar with none, one or all of Shakespeare's plays, there is something for you in this performance.

Actors Shaun Patrick Tubbs, Jordan Laroya, and HRTC Resident Artist Bruce Cromer give amazing, energetic performances. The sometimes frenetic pace keeps the audience laughing and on the edge of their seats for the entire performance. Just when you think it is safe to relax a little, they are on the move again. Quick thinking, great comic timing, and fantastic physicality make for a genuinely fun evening of theatre. Although I have only seen one performance, I suspect that the show is a little different every night as the actors react and feed off of the audience's and each other's energy.

Director Aaron Vega sets a lightning fast pace through most of the show but knows when to slow down a little bit to allow not only the actors but also the audience to catch their breath and gear up for the next rollercoaster ride. My hat is off particularly to the Properties Master Heather Powell, who has no small task keeping track of (and likely repairing) the numerous props used (and thrown) to help illustrate the action.

Do not miss your opportunity to see THE COMPLETE WORKS OF William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED) [REVISED] which is the final show in the 2017-18 season at the Human Race Theatre Company. The show runs until June 17. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com, by phone at 937-228-3630 or in person at the Schuster Center Box Office.

Photo credit: Immobulus Photography