Preview of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

Bridgeport CT - Dandelion Productions’ CT Free Shakespeare (CFS) presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield. The production also known as The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) [Revised] will mark CFS’s twentieth year. It will take place on Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4 at 7 pm at The University of Bridgeport’s Arnold Bernhart Center for the Arts & Humanities, 84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT on the patio across the street from Seaside Park.

Artistic Director Ellen Lieberman describes the play as “wacky and wonderful. It has a high energy, almost frenetic pace” she says, “and although it is fully scripted much of the fun is improvised and involves the audience.” It parodies the plays of William Shakespeare with all of them being performed in comically shortened or merged form by only three actors. First performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987 it has become one of the world's most popular shows, playing frequently in a variety of languages. It is notable for holding the 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. CFS all-stars, Uma Incrocci of Los Angeles, Ian Eaton of Harlem and Eric Nyquist of Trumbull, take on the roles of Adam, Daniel and Jess who in turn play out the Shakespearean roles. Incrocci is a straight man who plays the more down to earth characters and Eaton a prudish, professorial type. Nyquist assumes most of the female roles and the more fun and sometimes “dumb” characters.

Free Admission. Free Parking. Seating opens at 6:30. Space is limited. The patio is concrete. Bring chairs. The venue is handicapped accessible. Performances will be cancelled if weather is severe. There will be limited seating in the event of rain.

CFS would like to thank its sponsors who made its 20th year possible. Thanks to Actors’ Equity Association, the Manger Foundation, Norma Terris Albert Firestone Foundation, Avram and Rhoda Freedberg Family Foundation, RBC Foundation, the Jana Foundation and The University of Bridgeport.

Dandelion Productions, Inc. is a not for profit theater company whose mission is to employ the power of the dramatic arts to educate its audiences about the issues and values that shed light on the human condition. With a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, Dandelion's programs have centered on creating point-of-entry theatrical experiences and social justice educational programs that have a powerful impact on the lives of Connecticut residents, particularly in underserved communities.