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Shakespeare’s Last Night Out (or What? YOU, Will??)
Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Orgasmico Theatre Company
Through November 1st
RECOMMENDED:
“All the world’s a stage,” the Bard famously wrote. How appropriate then that a show set on the evening of the great William Shakespeare’s death over a mug of ale be performed in a bar turned into a stage.
Albeit a tiny stage; I’ve always found watching productions at Three Clubs to be awkward. The ice machine doing its job during the climax of the play is an unfortunate reality (though at least there’s readily available booze, and for this show some cutely themed drinks). However, when you enter into the cozy back room, “The Muses” Allison Faith Sulock and Gordon Wimpress play some fanciful and jaunty tunes that instantly put you in the mood as Michael Shaw Fisher, passed out on a table covered with parchment and quill, is immediately recognizable as Shakespeare himself.
When he awakes, Shakespeare sets to work, weaving a story one final time to clear his conscience of some unresolved issues from his past. Shakespeare’s Last Night Out, written by Fisher, makes a passionate argument for Shakespeare’s authorship of his works (which has been fuel for many scholarly debates over the years). It also endows Shakespeare with a passion for his craft that is enviable, and which may or may not justify some questionable choices and hard decisions.
The show also offers some fascinating historical context for the works we thought we knew so well. It is clearly informed, and takes a strong stance on some dubious facts, inspiring us all to dig a little deeper.
Fisher is a bit of magic himself, and he is the perfect choice to bring his own work to life. The way he charms and serenades the crowd — delivering lines which are both relatable and, well, Shakespearian — and offers up a William Shakespeare who is above all else a dreamer is refreshing. Director Jeff Sumner harnesses that power and charisma to complete the transformation of one little backroom bar into Shakespeare’s world.
While Fisher states that a Shakespeare play would attract 2,000 to 3,000 audience members a night, that is now a hard-to-reach dream for a small, one-man show full of heart. But as was announced prior to the performance, his goal is to take the piece to high schools and colleges, and I very much hope that this is achieved. With content just adult enough, and valuable information set to his beautiful songs, Shakespeare’s Last Night Out is sure to be a scholarly as well as artistic inspiration.
Orgasmico Theatre Company at Three Clubs Lounge, 1123 N. Vine St., Hollywood; Fri. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.; Sun., Oct. 4, 5 p.m.; through November 1. (800) 838-3006, shakespearemusical.brownpapertickets.com. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
