The works of the world’s greatest dramatist are about to get a frantic and hilarious makeover at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA). Opening Friday, February 20, BMCA presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), a breakneck theatrical experience that turns the great bard’s work on its head. This internationally acclaimed comedy, written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, is an irreverent, fast-paced romp that attempts the impossible: performing all 37 of William Shakespeare's canonical plays—plus the sonnets—in a single performance. Running six performances, from Friday, February 20 through Sunday, March 1, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged brings a whirlwind of tragic deaths, wild romances, and more ridiculous wigs than a royal court, as three energetic performers barrel through the Bard’s entire library. As The Today Show famously quipped, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!”
Bringing this comedic chaos to BMCA is Fire in the Head Productions, led by local actor, director, and creative force Mike Yow. Yow is well-known in the Western North Carolina arts scene, with a background spanning professional acting, film, and television, and he has previously directed popular shows at BMCA, such as I Hate Hamlet and It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Known for his ability to assemble a cast of highly talented performers, Yow ensures that the regional production maintains the high standard of fast-paced, physical comedy the play is famous for. Fire in the Head Productions consistently delivers dynamic theatre, making this version of Complete Works a must-see local event. The intimate Gale Jackson Theatre at BMCA is the perfect setting for this riotous production, where the actors' antics and audience interaction are key to the experience. “Mike always presents a fun, high-energy production,” states BMCA Associate Director John Hall, “and Complete Works will be no exception.”