Marin Shakespeare Co Presents The Complete History of America (abridged)

With updated material recently written by Sonoma playwright ReEd Martin, "The Complete History of America (abridged)" opens July 30 at Marin Shakespeare Company's Forest Meadows Amphitheatre in downtown San Rafael.

"When I saw that MSC was going to be performing 'The Complete History of America (abridged)" this summer, I contacted them to find out if they had the most up-to-date version of the script. It turned out they didn't, so I was happy to send them the latest updates," said playwright ReEd Martin of Sonoma, co-author and original cast member of "The Complete History of America (abridged)."

"We authors of the script are constantly updating the script to reflect current events. What I provided to Marin Shakespeare Company were the most recent updates that haven't yet been published," said Martin.

Marin Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Robert Currier directs the comical cavalcade. The outdoor production features Darren Bridgett, Cassidy Brown and Mick Mize as the irreverent guides of the condensed American history lesson.

"Usually I'm dealing with a playwright who's been dead for 400 years," said Currier. "To have ReEd Martin available and willing to update the show is so great for our audiences. It's fantastic. Part of the appeal of this show is how it pokes fun at our modern culture. I'm delighted our production will include the election of President Barack Obama and other recent significant events, plus references to political personalities."

"In all of our shows we include places to insert local and topical references. For instance, a punch line that may have been 'Dan Quayle' might now be 'Sarah Palin.' This keeps the show fresh and up to date. The only things we feel obligated to add are very major new events," said Martin.

"The main thing the most recent updates reflect is the election of President Obama. When the first edition of the script was published, Bill Clinton was President. We made updates in the second published edition to include George W. Bush," said Martin.

"The Complete History of America (abridged)" ran for nearly ten years at the Criterion Theatre in London. Described by The New York Times as "Intellectual Vaudeville," the comedy has been performed at the Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center and The White House.

Marin Shakespeare Company presents previews of "The Complete History of America (abridged)" on July 22 and 24. The production opens on Saturday, July 30 and continues with weekend performances through Sept. 25 at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, located on the campus of Dominican University of California in San Rafael.

For tickets or more information call 415-499-4488 or visit http://www.marinshakespeare.org

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