The script contains many humorous footnotes on the text that are often not included in the performance. However, improvisation plays an important role and it is normal for the actors to deviate from the script and have spontaneous conversations about the material with each other or the audience. It is also common for them to make references to pop culture or to talk about local people and places in the area where the play is being performed.
It begins with a parody of Romeo and Juliet. Next, there’s do a parody of Titus Andronicus, portraying it as a cooking show. Following it is Othello, which is done through a rap song. The rest of the first act demonstrates most of the other plays. All the comedies are combined into one convoluted reading (the justification being that they all recycle the same plot devices anyway). All the histories are acted out through an American football game with the British Crown as the football (or as a soccer match in at least one German production or an Australian Rules football game in an Australian production). Julius Caesar is reduced to his death, followed immediately by a reduction of Antony and Cleopatra, and a reduction of Macbeth to one duel while explaining all about ketchup and mustard and other elements (witches, Macbeth’s downfall, etc.) in poor Scottish accents. There is also a failed attempt at scholarly discussion of the Shakespeare Apocrypha.
At the end of the act, the characters realize that they forgot to perform Coriolanus which Adam refuses to do due the vulgarity of the title, and Hamlet, Shakespeare’s greatest work. Adam becomes nervous and petulant about performing such a famous and difficult play, so he runs out of the theatre with Austin chasing him. Reed is left alone to improvise acts such as playing the William Tell Overture on his larynx and eating fire before calling for intermission.
La Porte Little Theatre Club, started in 1925, is a community theatre that aims to provide quality theatrical experiences to Northwest Indiana audiences and actors. In 1954, Thelma Wilson, a charter member of the club, bequeathed a large sum to the theatre allowing the Club to purchase the former church building at the corner of Third and “A” St. which to this day is our home. This theatre survives by continued support from our patrons and dedicated volunteers!
Regular Season Ticket Pricingm $15 Adults $12 Students, Tickets in advance: Roxy’s Music or Thaddeus C. Gallery in La Porte
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
