There are few areas of entertainment more maligned than dinner theater. The genre is considered the place where real actors go to end their careers. As for the productions they are usually defined by the second and third most maligned terms in entertainment - comedies by Neil Simon and served with a banquet-style dinner.
The Lake Theater, formerly known as Lake George Dinner Theater, is trying to break those stereotypes. Operating out of the well-appointed theater space at Turf- Holiday Inn in Lake George, they not only produce a show with Shakespeare in the title, but the comedy is offered in a package with an excellent dinner.
To be clear, the play offered at Lake Theatre is not one written by William Shakespeare. Instead they are doing all 37 of his plays.
More clarity is needed. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is a comic mash-up of all The Bards works as three cheeky actors try to present all of his plays in 100-minutes. (It takes almost two hours at Lake Theater, because they pause for an intermission.)
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” is one of those works that attempts to balance the line between being clever and just plain silly – with silly usually winning. How many times does it take for an actor to feign throwing up in the lap of an audience member to cease being funny? For me, the answer is once. The night I was at the show, the audience’s laughter was still abundant at three.
In theory you shouldn’t need and extensive knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays to enjoy the show. But, in truth, some background helps the comedy– especially with a bit like the “Gory Gourmet” which is based on “Titus Andronicus”.
Actually, if you have the slightest knowledge of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hamlet” you’re going to be OK with the material.
The style of the show is familiar. Three actors establish self-depreciating types that are eager but inept. They love the original material but are clueless about how their shallow approach to the material is funnier than it is respectful. This approach is not only funny, but it puts the audience at ease giving them the impression they know more about Shakespeare than do the performers.
It can be off-putting as well. At Lake George it is not until the performers establish their characters that the audience relaxes with the company and the material. The first skit, a rather long take-off on “Romeo and Juliet,” appears forced and insincere. However, the even longer second act send up of “Hamlet” involving a lot of audience participation is very funny.
The difference is in between the two, the three talented performers work very hard to ingratiate themselves to the audience. Jarel Davidow, in his third show here, is ideal as the mature cast member who regards himself as a Shakespearian scholar. Matt Reddick is the younger, less pretentious actor who just wants to get to the comedy of Shakespeare. Corey Tazmania is the overeager neophyte who will do almost anything to please the audience. Individually they are energetic, funny and clever. As an ensemble of three, they are even better.
Director Terry Rabine, who was so impressive playing several role in the spring production of “Hamlet” at Albany’s Capital Repertory Theatre, is at times a little too respectful of the source material, but when he unleashes silly- the show is a relaxing good time and a genuine audience pleaser.
It’s hard not to be in a good mood for the show after the terrific meal that is professionally served beforehand. I had a marvelous, large piece of broiled salmon served with creamy Dill Hollandaise sauce that was perfect. Prodigal enjoyed her Chicken Piccata which was covered with garlic lemon capers and a green olive sauce. She said it was better than last year’s entrée Medallions of Beef with caramelized onion and a mushroom demi-glaze. It is still available on the four meal menu. (Also available is a Vegetarian Pasta.) Sides and the opening salad were fresh and well prepared. Cheesecake and coffee capped a very good dining experience.
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) is a pleasing show that can be appreciated by almost everyone who enjoys the kind of humor that in “Henry V” Shakespeare described as, “but of shallow wit.”
“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) at the Turf-Holiday Inn, Lake George. Through October 10. Performances evenings Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m. seating 6:30. Afternoon lunch performances Tues., Wed., Thurs. (Sept 19 and Oct. 10). 1 p.m. seating 11:30 a.m 668-5762, ext. 411
Bob Goepfert is the arts editor for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
