THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (SURTUR) at UD Rep Ensemble

Aisle Say began revising the UD REP—Resident Ensemble Players—in a campus gym long before the spacious and elegant Roselle Center for the Arts became a reality. I have always been impressed by their overall quality of both acting and technology. Many reviews have called them the preeminent acting company in the region. REP is entering its 15th year, with many of the original cast still plying their trade.

The life of a professional actor is peripatetic; wandering around the region (or nation) looking for the next audition for the next gig. Nervous disorders. A REP actor has job security; living in the same space, able to raise a family and not be burdened with a rigorous regimen of 7 shows a week.

REP actors teach classes in Theater to students from all academic disciplines within the UD College of Arts and Sciences. Longtime Veterans: Kathleen Tague; Introduction to Theater and Drama, Elizabeth Heflin; Introduction to voice and speech, Mic Matarrese; Introduction to Scenic Movement, Stephen Pelinski; Fundamentals of acting 1, El-Amin Hassan; Black History Live on Stage, Michael Gotch; Writing for Performance, Lee Ernst; Makeup for the stage.

Having observed these professionals over many years, these are the ones I wish were teaching me. I am sure they instill confidence, self-reliance and train students to look within; at the navel, as Stanislavski would say.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged…over and over and over) has 3 actors appearing in a comical assault of all 37 of the Bard’s plays in 90 minutes. Veteran REP actor Mic Matarrese leads this motley and irrepressible crew alongside Lenny Banovez and Joe Castillo-Midyett. Are they the Marx Brothers or The Three Stooges? It is up to the audience to decide which man is more disgusting. Whichever trio you choose, shenanigans and antics abound. He might even throw in some English “frolicsome”.

The 4th wall of the theater is non-existent. Dorothy’s tornado just blew through. Audience participation in some scenes is necessary for great comic effect. A “guest” was called on stage and asked to run back and forth several times. Aisle Say feels like it was a plant. So be it. It was kind of funny anyway.

A particularly captivating scene was in Act II (devoted to HAMLET). An audience member is asked to portray Ophelia for the Nunnery Scene. The rest of us were divided into three sections: her id, superego, and ego. (You have to be there to enjoy it). Explaining TITUS ANDROCONIUS as a cooking show was hysterical. In another sketch, a diver in Shakespeare? Mai Oui. Why would you think not?

Adding to the spontaneity and improvisation, the writers encourage topical “pop culture” additions that the actors somehow make relevant through circumlocution. A funnyman like that was too, too easy a target. He referred to a demented, tan-faced, orange-tinged, self-pitying dementor who gives the play’s writers: and latenight show hosts – a treasure trove of cannon fodder.

Client Jo “Fearless” Fulmer has a cheerful sense of humor. The 3 doublets of the actors and the matching painted Chuck Taylor’s were a show stopper in itself. Fullmer has a keen eye for vintage dress.

Aisle Say did not see the unadulterated chemistry between these actors as she had in previous REP productions.

The Complete Works, etc., familiarizes us with Shakespeare with both its contemporary references and slapstick humor, especially for those who might otherwise find the Bard’s canon intimidating.

THE COMPLETE WORKS, &c. – Until October 6

Next Up: ROUGH CROSSING – November 7 – 24

Resident Ensemble Players | Theater and Dance | College of Arts and Sciences | University of Delaware (udel.edu)

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