Silver Spring Stage Presents THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), Now thru 2/1

Silver Spring Stage presents The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, directed by William T. Fleming and produced by Karen Fleming, hysterical and fast-paced, gag-a-second delight that deconstructs all 37 of the Bard's plays-plus the sonnets-into a single two-hour whirlwind. The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) will perform weekends today, January 10 to February 1, 2014.

Silver Spring Stage is located in the Woodmoor Shopping Center, lower level (next to the CVS) at Colesville Road and University Boulevard. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and students. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sundays January 19 and 26 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ssstage.org. Information is also available by calling (301) 593-6036.

Doing Shakespeare is hard. Doing all 37 of Shakespeare's plays - plus his sonnets - in 97 minutes, using only three actors, with lots of props, physical comedy and improvisation, and with no fourth wall between the actors and the audience...well, that's just crazy. But that's what happens in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). And in its production of Complete Works, Silver Spring Stage aims to show that this particular craziness is hysterically entertaining for Shakespeare lovers, Shakespeare neophytes, and Shakespeare haters alike. The writers, Long, Singer, and Winfield - founding members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company - first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987 and later played in London's West End for nine years. It has become one of the world's most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages. It is notable for holding the (self-proclaimed) world record for the shortest-ever performance of Hamlet, clocking in at 43 seconds, as well as the fastest performance of Hamlet backwards, at 42 seconds.

The cast features Andrew Greenleaf, Jennifer Osborn and Steven Snapp. The Stage is taking a new twist on the show with casting a woman among the trio. Director Fleming made the change to take audiences to a different - and hilarious - place. Complete Works fits with the Stage's tagline of Little Theater/Big Ideas as Fleming points out that comedy "is just as challenging, if not more so, than its dramatic and edgy counterparts." Audiences who know Shakespeare will appreciate the parodies while everyone will laugh at the exuberance and inventiveness of the Stage's production. If you you like Shakespeare, you'll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you'll love this show.

The production team includes Steve Quillin (Assistant Director), Pam Burks (Stage Manager), William T. Fleming (Set Design, Fight Choreographer), Bill Strein (Lighting Design), Patrick Hughes (Sound Design), Stacey Thomann (Costume Design), and Nancy Davis and Joy Wyne (Props).

Silver Spring Stage continues its 2013-2014 season with Superior Donuts (Feb 21-Mar 15), Other Desert Cities (Apr 4-27), Arabian Nights (May 16-Jun 7) and Good People* (Jun 27-July 20). *Pending rights availability.

Silver Spring Stage has provided quality, affordable theatre for over 40 years. We are an all-volunteer, non- profit organization and appreciate any contribution to enable us to offer excellent and entertaining productions. Thank you for your interest and support of Silver Spring Stage. All programs at Silver Spring Stage are made possible in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

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