Little Theatre of Norfolk Feature-Virginian Pilot

When The Little Theatre of Norfolk was casting "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," director Nancy Bloom had to look beyond typical traits like individual talent, charisma or stage presence.

"The cornerstone of this particular show is the relationship the actors have with each other," she said. "The actors we chose just seemed to bring out the best in each other. I can't explain it in words other than you know it when you see it; sometimes people just click."

Improvisation plays a key role in this irreverent, fast-paced condensation of Shakespeare's complete oeuvre, so finding that unique combination of three actors in sync with each other was crucial.

"These actors have an obvious and unique chemistry between them, which, as a director, is something you constantly look for but don't always find. It was exciting to watch the three of them work together."

Of that trio, Jimmy Dragas is the lone Little Theatre of Norfolk alum. Actors Mike Dunavan and Connor Marr have appeared on many local stages but make their LTN debut with this show, which runs at the West Ghent playhouse through Jan. 26.

One of the longest-running plays in London's West End, this madcap send-up of Shakespeare features material from all of the Bard's 37 plays in just 97 minutes. The performance includes dozens of costume changes, several references to pop culture and a hefty dose of audience participation.
"There really is no fourth wall in this show," Bloom said. "The audience is part of the entire program, so it's a unique experience each time. We're doing 12 performances, and if you attend all 12, none of them will have been the same. There's always an element of surprise about what's going to happen next."

That foray into the unknown is one of the things that drew Bloom to the project. The Virginia Beach-based theater veteran is also an actor, last seen in LTN's production of "The Full Monty."
"I have acted in 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare' twice, and it's one of my all-time favorites," she said. "For a performer, improv is so exciting, and this show is fast-paced, clever and really funny."

A mix of pratfalls, puns and parody, "Shakespeare (Abridged)" might make you wonder why anyone would endure the more than 4,000 lines of "Hamlet" when the famous storyline can be told by sock puppets in just 43 seconds.

And who wouldn't want to see "Othello" performed as a rap song or "Titus Andronicus" as a cooking show?

"This play is for people who may be intimidated by William Shakespeare," said Bloom, feigning gravitas in speaking the famous playwright's name.
But make no mistake. While the play interprets the Bard's body of work through a comedic lens, the impact of his handiwork remains in full effect.

"What 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)' really tries to do is initiate those who may not be as familiar with him into the wonderful work he composed," Bloom said. "Yes, it is silly, but it also superbly translates the beauty of Shakespeare's words."