'Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)' at CSC

By Rick Pender for CityBeat

Don’t go thinking that Cincinnati Shakespeare Company doesn’t have a sense of humor about what they do. In fact, they’ve now decided to make this amusing send-up an annual tradition. Complete Works (abridged) mentions every one of the Bard’s plays — most of them framed briefly and ridiculously — in about 90 minutes.

Three actors — Billy Chace, Travis McElroy and Nick Rose — careen wildly through the comedies, histories and tragedies using a trunkful of props, wigs and silly costumes. The show has been frequently staged at CSC, breaking box office records with each new production. Brian Phillips, CSC’s artistic director, says, “I have never had so many requests to bring the production back so often. It is an absolute favorite!” When it’s that popular, an annual Cincinnati tradition makes sense. Thursday through Sunday. Through June 30. $22-$28. 513-381-2273, ext. 3202. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. 719 Race St., Downtown.

Find out more on the show here.