Review: S#!TFACED SHAKESPEARE at BLK BOX PHX

As the Bard of Avon would have us "drink as friends", so encourages the cast of S#!TFACED SHAKESPEARE at BLK BOX PHX through Dec. 31.

Although it couldn't hurt, you don't have to be inebriated to appreciate this experimental theatre parody that originated in the UK years before the popular web series (and later Comedy Central cable program) "Drunk History".

This particular troupe is part of Davisson Entertainment, championed by producing artistic director and local lighting sensei Daniel Davisson. The 5 p.m. Sunday show that I attended featured an enchanting Natalie Andrews as Juliet and incredibly flexible Michael Thompson as Romeo.

According to the website, the audience picks one of Shakespeare's plays and the "actor they would like to see stumble through Shakespeare, after imbibing a few shots of whiskey." However, that there is no voting to be had during this run.

We were assigned "R & J with Jack (Daniels)" and Thompson, who drank three shots to start, three at the half and a nightcap before the final scene. About half as many shots, and R&J's death bed, were also shared with audience members.

Think "Rocky Horror Meets the Montagues" or Baz Schlurrrman's "Romeo + Juliet" with musical snippets to set the mood and incite bad behavior literally billed as everything from asinine to vulgar. "It doth not dithapoint," Eric Zaklukiewicz' Lord Capulet might thay -- when he's not playing the narrator and Friar Lawrence.

This incredibly interactive cast also includes Spencer Dooley (Tybalt, Friar John), Emily Kamps (Lady Capulet), Liz Polen (Nurse) and Connor Wanless (Mercutio, Paris). Breona Conrad, Louis Farber and Tony Latham rotate in on other evenings.

S#!TFACED SHAKESPEARE tickets are available online. 'Like' the BLK BOX PHX Facebook page to show your support and possibly snag a discount code.