For the Times-Standard (August 11, 1995)
ARCATA - Regardless of how you feel about Shakespeare, get thee to "The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Skspr (abridged)," the Arcata Community Theatre's 17th annual Shakespeare-in-the-Park production.
It's the perfect way to get over any prejudices you might be harboring that Shakeaspearean-based material is stuffy and no fun. "Complete Works" is beyond fun--it's inspired lunacy that manages to be both outrageously entertaining and marvelously informative at once
Director James Floss has a casting coup in his trio of Shakeaspearean stooges, who are firmly trained and skilled classical actors. They have to be, in order to have a handle on the multitude of characters of various backgrounds, ages and genders that come and go and change like quicksilver throughout these plays within a play.
Tom Dodgen is wonderful as he bumbles, minces and blusters around the stage like a lovable st. Bernard like a puppy in drag. He ably plays most of the female roles, from Juliet to Desdemona.
Vince Insingo, tall, dark and zany, races around like a greyhound, a perfect foil to Dodgen's "broad" antics. Tony Cogliati is somewhat less manic but equally excellent ad the third member of the troupe. Cogliati and Insingo are a sort of Cheech and Chong in tights
Believe it or not, all 37 of the Bard's plays are "performed" during the course of the production--and certainly, in a way that you couldn't possibly imagine. And it works great.
Steve Echeverria's set design is a simple backdrop suiting all of the plays, while costumer Laura Knight's quick-change outfits are clever and colorful, suiting the split-second character shifts.
There is some wacky audience participation that involves the whole crowd, making the show even more fun. This is one production all ages an enjoy on different levels. The slapstick will enthrall the kids and the creative combinations of "real speeches" and contemporary asides will delight adults.
"The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Skspr (abridged)" is one of the best efforts in the 17-year history of the Arcata Community Theatre. Don't miss this divine madness.