William Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (abridged) at Cue Zero Theatre Company

Cue Zero Theatre Company brings the laughs with the New Hampshire premier of William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged). This bard-inspired parody piece plays the Arts Academy of New Hampshire in Salem June 21-23.

Discovered in a treasure-filled parking lot in Leicester, England (next to a pile of bones that didn’t look that important), an ancient manuscript proves to be the long-lost first play written by none other than seventeen-year-old William Shakespeare from Stratford. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LONG LOST FIRST PLAY (abridged) is the literary holy grail: an actual manuscript in Shakespeare’s own hand showing all his most famous characters and familiar speeches in a brand-new story. But because it’s one hundred hours long and contains multiple unwieldy storylines, it was decided, as a public service, to abridge it down to a brief and palatable ninety-minute performance for this lost masterpiece.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LONG LOST FIRST PLAY (abridged) by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC

Artistic Director Dan Pelletier is thrilled to once again dive into a remarkable piece of meta-comedy. “Tichenor and Martin have an exceptional talent for crafting works that honor the world’s most renowned playwright while simultaneously bringing him down a notch and making his entire canon accessible to everyone. Whether you adore, detest, are well-versed in, or are completely new to Shakespeare, this play will leave you in stitches,” says Pelletier.

A unique aspect of this production is its minimalist cast, featuring only three actors. Cue Zero Theatre has assembled an extraordinarily talented and versatile trio: regulars Nate Faro and Matt Brides, joined by newcomer Aidan Crawford. These performers bring over a dozen characters each to life, seamlessly switching between some of Shakespeare’s most famous (and more obscure) roles. “One of the greatest joys of our rehearsal process has been witnessing these three actors continuously outdo each other with their impressive physicality and comedic timing,” Pelletier notes. “Their incredible chemistry has fostered a rehearsal environment filled with the fearlessness required for top-tier theatre. Audiences will be amazed by the range of talent and the incredible humor on display.”

William Shakepseare’s Long Lost First Play (abridged) plays the Arts Academy of New Hampshire one weekend only, June 21-23. Tickets are $15 before fees, and are available both online and at the door.

ABOUT CUE ZERO THEATRE COMPANY: Cue Zero Theatre Company, is dedicated to cultivating and showcasing new works, young directors/designers and rising actors. Founded in December 2013, the mission of Cue Zero Theatre Company is to support young talented artists on a professional level, who need a venue to showcase their work. With our emphasis placed on professionals in the early phases of their careers, all of our projects are focused on growing as artists and people. Cue Zero sets high standards for all projects; we treat every member of the team with the respect and courtesy due to any working professional. All we ask in return is that they go above and beyond the normal call of duty to ensure productions are top-notch.

We would like to thank all of our members and sponsors for their support. With a special thank you to our benefactor members Cassandra Durand and Lori Pelletier, as well as the Arts Academy of New Hampshire. For more information about the company and our upcoming productions, please check out CZTheatre.com.

About the Arts Academy of New Hampshire: The Arts Academy nurtures creative thinkers, active citizens and independent learners. With a curriculum that integrates the arts and academics. Our Vision is a high school that is dedicated to the arts. It appeals to a broad cross-section of students who look to discover the joy and transformational power as well as, pursuit of the arts in a professional setting. Our academic courses instill a sincere lifelong desire to learn.