Huzzah! All the World combines three modern-day Shakespearean mashup one-acts to make an evening of Bardish fun and reflection. Some of the fun bits: ukulele-accompanied haiku, ghosts in a pickle, ski-pole swordfighting, a Two Gents monologue BUT WITH TAP DANCING, and audience members on stage crushing an improv activity. Some of the reflection bits: remember all of those themes that make Shakespeare's comedies so enduring? They're woven in all sneaky-like, sometimes on a bed in the ER, sometimes in a support group the night before finals, and sometimes with a vulnerably grand gesture of love at a snowy party.
The stories in All the World remind us that Shakespeare is indeed loads of fun, and that theatre not only brings us together, but sends us into the rest of the world more equipped for the challenges ahead, and with more empathy for those we meet along the way.
Looking for the individual one-acts? Here you go:
Brillig
What Light?
Yes, And...
Brillig:
Ghosts from a production of Hamlet descend upon a college freshmen support group to irreverently pass on some keys to unlocking a better life (minus the poison/corruption/revenge bit), and get to the bottom of the question: is there ever an appropriate time to use Jabberwocky as an audition monologue? Think less brooding and more ukuleles.
What Light?
Strangers become friends when they stage their own fractured, misquoted version of those famous star-crossed lovers, on a not-so-quiet-after-all night in the Emergency Department of a university hospital. This play explores the answers to the following questions: How can light break a window? Is partying such sweet sorrow? How much do you remember from your 7th grade Romeo & Juliet unit (JK you're on your own there).
Yes, And…
“If pizza be the food of love, play on!”
Shakespeare's favorite comedic tropes (jumping to conclusions, forgiveness, twins, disguise!) delivered hot and fresh, all boxed up as a play about awkward teen romance, ex-high school besties, banned books, and theater closures. A love letter to theater teachers and students alike,Yes, And... has tap dancing. And improv. Also, "whether the weather" may make an appearance....