Center Stage: Let there be laughs
In the beginning there was chaos. But why stop there, when you can take your audience on an affectionate roller-coaster, comical laugh riot, from fig leaf to the finale at the Last Judgment?
Long before “The Book of Mormon,” there was “The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged),” written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichner of Reduced Shakespeare Company fame, putting the fun back into fundamentalism.
The Reduced Shakespeare Company founded by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichner is mainly known for “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” as well as “All the Great Books (abridged).”
Their goal in forming this comedy group was simple; to hilariously compress a large collection of information into an hour and a half; which in the case of “The Bible” starts with the books of the Old Testament in the First Act and the New Testament for the Second Act.
The play starts with Adam and Eve and goes to the end of days — or the final judgment. Needless to say, everything is revealed in a clever sketch format, with droll dances, humorous props and witty songs, with audience participation.
The show starts with an introduction by the entire cast of three talented performers: Christopher Brent reprising the role of “Himself,” which he performed at the last Theatre Conspiracy version seven years ago; Manny Quinn also reprising his role as “Stunt Double,” and last but not least another fine local actor/comedian, Miguel Cintron, knocking his laughs out of the park in this merry biblical frolic.
The show begins with this riotous threesome leading us on this magical journey in which the chemistry between the side-splitting trio was apparent, and all three actors deserve accolades for their performances, which were second to none; their use of numerous props as well as their high octane energy had the entire audience in stitches throughout.
Director Rachael Endrizzi set a comedic pace that maintained its uproarious drive from beginning to end, which was no mean feat, especially since the audience found themselves laughing from beginning till end throughout the show. She cleverly updated the show to suit today’s happenings and the local audiences.
Everybody connected with this show deserves acknowledgement since the pace is breakneck speed. Each of this hard working crew gets my vote of “high praise,” from stage manager Angie Koch, technical director Curtis Jones, set designer Bill Taylor to light and sound operator Tiffany Campbell.
Bottom line: The goal of this production is to “Have Fun” and in that it certainly succeeds, mainly due to the three funny guys on stage who knock themselves out showing us their astonishing versatility, and the spot-on direction of Rachael Endrizzi.
So for an evening of fun in fundamentalism, go to the phone right now and dial (239) 936-3239 for the The Theatre Conspiracy box office, where “thou shalt laugh” at “The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged),” playing Jan 17, 22, 23, 24.
When you phone, remind ’em Marsha sent you!!!!