Local News | Stages: Reduced Shakespeare Company returns to MRT with comic spoof of 'Hamlet'
Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) announces the return of the Reduced Shakespeare Company to Lowell in the much anticipated production of "The Comedy of Hamlet! (a prequel)," on stage from March 12 to March 30. MRT brings this uproarious, fast-paced reimagining of Shakespeare's Hamlet to the stage in a way you've never seen before.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company has a long-standing tradition of bringing their trademark comedic approach to the Merrimack Repertory Theatre stage, with previous productions like "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" and "The Reduced History of America" receiving rave reviews. Now, they're back and "The Comedy of Hamlet (a prequel)'' offers a hilarious take on the iconic characters and events that set the stage for the dark drama we know so well.
With its signature blend of sharp wit, slapstick humor, and clever wordplay, the Reduced Shakespeare Company offers an entertaining look at the iconic tragedy's characters and events, long before the famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy.
The hysterical prequel answers all the important questions, like Why can't Ophelia take swimming lessons? Where the hell is Mrs. Polonius? And why does Hamlet's mother spend so much time at his uncle's house?
According to the Napa Valley Register, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor have written a hilarious production that is "part satire, part musical, and part knee slapping, guffaw-inducing, completely silly romp."
Three performers, Geoffrey Barnes, Doug Harvey, and Austin Tichenor will leave the audience in fits of laughter as they deftly switch between characters with rapid-fire costume changes, witty dialogue, and impeccable timing. Their energetic performances bring the absurdity of the story to life, making for an unforgettable experience.
Visit www.mrt.org for tickets and info.
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL FOLK TALE: "Beastly: An Autobiographical Feminist Folktale" returns to the BCA Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont Street, South End Boston, for three benefit performances on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 28-March 1 at7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. It blends standup comedy, poetic reverie, and a strategic call to action. In creator Melissa Woodman's own words, "Imagine if The Vagina Monologues and Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes had a baby with Bernie Sanders -- that's Beastly" Several area non-profits benefit. For more performance and ticket information, visit BostonTheatreScene.com or call 617-933-8600.
'DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL' NEARY'S LATEST: Jack Neary's latest play "Daddy's Little Girl" has its world premiere in the intimate black box theatre in Spurk Hall on the Northern Essex Community College campus in Haverhill. It opened last Friday night and runs through Sunday, March 2, with performances Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. It tackles the tough subject of alcoholism and is more dramatic than other Neary shows. But it is pure Jack Neary with fresh one-liners and pop culture references. Ashley Risteen stars as the troubled Alice and is backed by the talented Dave Sullivan, Melody Fried, Jimmy Stewart and Tommy Carnes. Neary never ceases to satisfy with his plays, and you won't want to miss this one. Visit www. http://actingoutnbpt.com/shows or call 978-853-9620 for tickets.