TheatreWorks Community Players is preparing for the last two plays of this season – “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” and “House Band Music Revue.”
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” is a comedy currently undergoing rehearsals and features three actors. The play is a marathon abridged retelling of Shakespeare’s work with modern comedy added in.
“We have three young men who I think emulate the original play’s three men,” said play director Devan Walsh. “They’re perfect for this marathon.” Walsh is a school teacher in North Carolina who teaches theater arts. This will be her first show with the TheatreWorks Community Players.
The play will cover all 37 pieces of Shakespeare’s work in 97 minutes, with a short intermission.
“If you have a knowledge of Shakespeare, then you will get the inside jokes. If you don’t, you will still have a ball,” said Walsh.
The play was originally written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield. Due to the changing times, it has been rewritten to accommodate modern trends. Walsh said the play allows for some creative freedom and has been redesigned with modern audiences in mind.
It will be performed on May 9, 10, and 11 to accommodate Mother’s Day and on the following weekend, May 17, 18, and 19. Every show will begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of the final show on May 19, which will start at 2 p.m. to accommodate Sunday crowds. Tickets for the play are $15, and adult beverages are available for purchase on-site.
“House Band Music Revue” is a musical that has just finished auditions and is slated for June performances.
“Our show is a fun little show with a live band on stage. The audience will get to enjoy watching all of the events that happen in a club that the band members witness,” said director Joanie McPeak. The songs that play during the show will explain the events happening on stage.
McPeak has worked with the TheatreWorks Community Players and has done several musicals for the theatre. Along with the directors, several volunteers work hard to help with tasks like choreography and stage management.
“It’s always a great team here,” said Heather Minter.
TheatreWorks will host a casino night before the premiere of “House Band Music Revue,” titled, Viva La BlackBox, on Saturday, June 8, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event requires a ticket purchase of $60 to attend, and all sales will help the nonprofit put on more shows. Food, drink, and casino games will be available on-site.
TheatreWorks is a local theater group located in Martinsville. The non-profit group puts on four main stage shows each year for the community. The group has been in Martinsville since 2004. The theater is located at 44 Franklin Street, Martinsville.
Tickets for the shows can be purchased online at www.twcp.net or at the door. Those looking to volunteer for future shows and events can check the group’s website or Facebook page to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Director’s name is Devan Walsh