Birmingham Village Players will take a comic approach to Shakespeare’s plays when “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again]” opens Nov. 6.
The production runs through Nov. 22 at 34660 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham. The theater’s production page describes a roughly 95-minute show.
Performances are scheduled for Nov. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-22. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., as does the Thursday, Nov. 19, performance. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Director Sarah Noah described a production built around physical comedy, rapid character changes and ordinary objects repurposed as props in an announcement published by Encore Michigan. The performers shorten some plays, merge others and turn familiar stories into unexpected versions.
“The authors give performers permission to update some of the jokes with more current or local references and encourage our own brand of goofiness throughout,” Noah said. “We are definitely taking them up on that.”
The announcement says audiences do not need prior knowledge of Shakespeare, although those familiar with the plays will recognize references.
Audience participation is also part of the production. Noah said volunteers and spectators’ contributions require the actors to adapt during performances.
Noah and R. Scott Cantrell discussed the show in an Oct. 18 Fox 2 Detroit segment, which the theater shared on Instagram.
Individual tickets cost $30, including the ticketing fee, according to the digital box office. Tickets and information are available online or by calling 248-644-2075.
The theater also offers five-, 10- and 20-ticket packages. Package terms differ, so buyers should check the box office page before purchasing.
The production is part of Birmingham Village Players’ 104th season. The remaining lineup includes “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Jan. 15-31, 2027; “Amadeus,” March 5-21; and “Oklahoma!,” April 30-May 16.
