Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 3, 2008 issue

Laughing at Ourselves

Reduced Shakespeare Company Presents The Complete History of America Saturday

An Appalachian Summer Festival celebrates Independence Day with a comedic take on American history on Saturday, July 5, at 8:00 p.m. The festival presents the fast-paced, slapstick comedy of the Reduced Shakespeare Company performing The Complete History of America (abridged) at Farthing Auditorium on the ASU campus.

Since its origins as a “pass-the-hat act” in California, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has created six world-renowned stage shows, four TV programs, and numerous radio pieces—all of which have been performed, seen and heard all over the world. The company’s first three shows—The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged) and The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)—ran for almost 10 years at the Criterion Theatre, becoming London’s longest-running comedies.

In History of America, the self-proclaimed “Bad Boys of Abridgment” compile more than 600 years of history into a fast, funny and physical show. They tackle controversial questions such as Who really discovered America? Why did Abe Lincoln free the slaves? And just how many Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb? From Washington to Watergate, from New World to New World Order—the Reduced Shakespeare Company takes audiences on a wild and crazy rollercoaster ride through American history. The Boston Herald describes this performance as “What the Daily Show might be like if it were hosted by the Marx Brothers.”

Tickets are $25 or $18 for adults, $15 or $10 for students and $10 or $5 for kids 12 and under.

For more info, call 828-262-4046 or click to www.appsummer.org.

Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Farthing Auditorium
Cost: $25 or $18 adults/$15 or $10 students/$10 or $5 kids 12 and under