SOCORRO, N.M. – Witness the works of one of the most famous writers in history, when Albuquerque’s Vortex Theatre presents the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged” to open the new 2019-2020 N.M. Tech Performing Arts Series (PAS) at 7:30 p.m. in Macey Center.

Three actors play a wide variety of roles in this irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 plays written by the legendary Bard of Avon, including classics such as The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth.

The Vortex Theatre, Albuquerque’s oldest continuously running black box theatre, is well known for its interpretations of classic, contemporary and cutting-edge theatre since its inception in 1976.

 

“This year marks the third in a row the Vortex is staging a theatrical production at Macey Center,” said PAS Director Ronna Kalish. “While everyone is familiar with at least some of Shakespeare’s works, this somewhat tongue-in-cheek adaptation will touch on his complete repertoire.”

The Vortex production is based on the original 1987 creation written and originally performed by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, aka The Reduced Shakespeare Company (who have also graced the Macey Center stage several times). Ryan Jason Cook, Daniel T. Cornish, and Caleb Daniel Ramsell currently inhabit the roles of the various characters in this version. Cook is also the director.

On a local note, Cornish, an Albuquerque attorney, is the son of the former Patricia Chavez of Socorro and Timothy Cornish, a one-time prosecutor with the Seventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Socorro.

Even those only nominally familiar with the works of Shakespeare will enjoy this high-spirited performance, based on its entertainment value alone.

An online review by Carla Cafolla sums it up succinctly: “Shakespeare in its uncut form is, I think, rather like healthcare—not everyone gets it. Abridged, however, is a different kettle of fish entirely. This parody is open to all, and though the more familiarity one has, the more enjoyment one gets, it is certainly also true that everyone will come away with, if not a greater understanding, at least some reassurance that the Bard is not to be feared. So bring your kids.”

According to Cafolla, the play has been cleverly updated (cell phones and a Miley Cyrus reference to name a couple), in a hilarious dismantling of some of the most famous lines in English literature.

“Thirty-seven plays in a couple of hours leads to a veritable reformation: 36 plays in the first act alone, interpreted and depicted with irreverent hilarity,” wrote Cafolla. “Romeo and Juliet’s balcony scene is a riot, Juliet’s sigh a la Meg Ryan, even more so.”

In her review, Cafolla notes that the three actors basically play themselves, playing themselves playing Shakespeare. “

“It’s not as complicated as it sounds,” she wrote. “We are introduced to the cast as if we were aboard a plane, and the preflight safety check is our initiation into the ensuing lunacy. Very clever. Cook and Cornish performed this show together six years ago at Albuquerque Little Theatre and were great in their multiple roles. They are a lot of fun, jointly and individually.”

And she has this to say about Ramsell.

“The absolute standout, however, is Caleb Ramsell,” wrote Cafolla in her review. “Ramsell is like everyone’s annoying younger brother: you need him to make up the team, and generally he does as he’s told.

“It's the other times, the times he asks questions, the times he just doesn't want to play, the times he wants his own way,” she continued. “It's these times, peppered throughout the performance, when Ramsell really shines.”

“Altogether, this is a very fun show, and highly recommended,” wrote Cafolla.  “I got the greatest kick out of it, and intend making a return visit to catch many of the ‘blink and you miss it’ moments I know I for sure, missed.”

Kalish takes her cue from Cafolla. “This really is a don’t-miss performance,” Kalish said. “It’s great fun, it’s entertaining, and impeccably performed. “

To quote the Bard himself, from Hamlet: “Brevity is the soul of wit.” And this performance embodies both.

Sponsors for the Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged are the Anne Sullivan Memorial, IRIS-PASSCAL and Socorro Striders & Riders.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $8 for youth 17 and under. New Mexico Tech students will be admitted free with their student ID at the door, or can pick up one ticket each at the New Mexico Tech Bookstore.

Tickets also can be purchased online at nmtpas.org, or at the following locations: New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center), Sofia’s Kitchen or the PAS office (call 835-5688 for directions).

— NMT —