Theatre@First Brings Complete Shakespearian Mayhem to Somerville

Theatre@First has assembled eight of the funniest actors in Somerville to tackle all 37 of William Shakespeare’s plays—in under two hours! It’s a feat that can only result in madcap mayhem. Somewhere between laughs, you might even learn a thing or two about the Bard and his work. Performances will take place at Unity Somerville from May 17-June 1.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] is a dream come true for Shakespeare nerds. Originally written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield for three performers, Complete Works is even more fun with a larger cast. This production includes both T@F veterans and newcomers alike, each bringing their own zany style to a wide variety of roles from Shakespeare’s canon. They’ll shatter the fourth wall to deliver every comedy and tragedy for your entertainment... even if it kills them. And since about a third of Shakespeare’s plays are tragedies, death seems likely!

This project is also a dream come true for director Mike Haddad. The script is a long-time favorite and he is excited to share his new take on the show with local audiences. Haddad has previously directed The Mousetrap (2015) and Mourning with Electra (2017) for T@F, as well as three 24-hour play festivals for charity under the moniker Giving@First. “I’m always looking for ways the theatre can contribute to our community,” he said. “And laughter is one of the great gifts we can use to do that.”

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged] is just the first of three Shakespeare-adjacent works in T@F’s 2019 season. In September, they’ll take on The Revenger’s Tragedy, a Jacobean parody of works like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which T@F will produce in November.

Since its founding in 2003, Theatre@First has produced fifty mainstage shows, as well as cabarets, Shakespeare slams, charity play festivals, and a popular series of staged readings. A vital part of the thriving Somerville arts scene, T@F draws on the talent and support of individuals and organizations throughout our community to provide affordable, quality theatre in a variety of local venues. For tickets and more information about Theatre@First, please visit www.theatreatfirst.org.