To mock or not to mock? For the Orfeo Group's production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)"-or as they like to call it, WOWSA-there really is no question. Mock on.
I saw the show last Friday, an hour-and-a-half production that encompasses all 37 of Shakespeare's plays. While some are simply mentioned, others like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet" are performed in full...well, sort of. The comedies are condensed to make room for more parody of the tragedies (which are, as the actors tell you, way more fun anyway). Ever seen Hamlet done backwards, in fast forward? Can you imagine Othello as a rap? What about Titus Andronicus as a cooking show?
The hilarious trio of Daniel Berger-Jones, Gabriel Kuttner and Risher Reddick use their shabby costumes and graffiti-covered set to have a whole lot of fun during the show. I found myself laughing so hard during some parts that I was tearing up. Among the best moments were: Reddick in a purple wig pretending to throw up on my sister, a clever Henry Louis Gates Jr. reference, and an actor taking a seat next to one audience member to eat some brownies from her picnic bag.
The humor of WOWSA appeals to adults and kids alike, and audience participation (and targeting!) keeps everyone engaged. They've extended their show (for this weekend and the next) at the Publick Theatre in Brighton, and the laughs are cheap (15 bucks, free with a student ID on Fridays, and free for all on Thursdays).
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