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Synopsis: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

Can three guys really cover thirty-seven Shakespeare plays in less than two hours? This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of the Shakespeare plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts. This play is full of energy as the characters run across the stage and keep you guessing how they will pull off the next play. Clever use of some interesting costumes also adds to the fun.

The play starts with an eccentric version of Romeo and Juliet, followed by a parody of Titus Andronicus (which is portrayed as a cooking show). Next is Othello, which is done as a rap song (the infamous “Othello Rap”). The members of the trio compete in a hilarious football game which summarizes the histories (King JohnRichard IIRichard IIIHenry IV etc), complete with commentary and details of each character’s rise and fall from power.

As the characters are about to come to the end of the first act, they realize they forgot to perform Hamlet. One of the actors becomes nervous and runs out of the theatre with another actor chasing him. The final actor is left to entertain the audience by himself, which he does by telling jokes and calling for the intermission.

After the intermission, the missing two actors return and save their companion from reciting all of the sonnets. All three actors then perform their very abbreviated version of Hamlet (with a little help from the audience), thus “completing” the canon in only an hour and a half!

Utah Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We hope this Study Guide is helpful. As a note, it is for general knowledge and may not be specifically in reference to our production(s). While you’re here you may want to explore the Festival a bit further. You can learn about this Tony Award-winning theatre company, our plays, and so much more by visiting our home page.

What's On

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Steel Magnolias

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A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

June 19 - October 3, 2025

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As You Like It

June 18 - September 6, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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The Importance of Being Earnest

June 20 - October 4, 2025

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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Antony and Cleopatra

June 17 - September 5, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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Macbeth

June 16 - September 4, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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