The Gaslight Melodrama brought to life what dozens of novels already have done: that Shakespeare truly sucks to those who cannot understand the heavy language that is used, but after some understanding and translation, Shakespeare is truly a remarkable writer and playwright.
Before the show even began, the atmosphere was already filled with music from the actors and actresses working the snack bar. As tips dropped into the plastic jar labeled “Actors 401k Investment Portfolio,” the actors sang parodies of songs such as the “Empire” theme from “Star Wars,” and my personal favorite, a very creative remix on “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by The Baha Men.
The play, “I Hate Shakespeare,” began with the well-known speech by Hamlet, portrayed by Bakersfield College’s Scott Hillberry. While a nagging member in the audience (actor Michael Prince) heckles him, Hamlet begins stumbling around the speech and missing lines.
Hillberry’s character proceeds to show Prince’s character various aspects of Shakespeare plays, all done in a humorous setting. For my part, Prince’s character does what I hoped he wouldn’t do: he came away a fan of Shakespeare.
The play, however, had many different things to illustrate and translate in modern means, like one situation where two characters from “Othello” fight over a deceased character, who came back to life to defend herself, while on “The Jerry Springer Show.”
The randomness of things introduced into various Shakespeare scenes made for a fantastic show. Seriously, who would honestly expect to see Jerry Springer, portrayed by Greg Ramsdell, in a Shakespeare play? In other instances, several zombies randomly attack and eat brains of characters such as Julius Caesar, and a ninja assassinates a king.
Even better than the acting was the singing, especially in the after-play review. Ken Burdick and his wife Jill performed in a skit titled “Together Again,” then later, Ken also sang lead in “Friends in Low Places,” originally by Garth Brooks. There was also a wonderful version of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” by The Beatles. The songs were very harmonious and outstanding.
This play, more along the lines of a musical, was outstanding for all ages and definitely worth the price of admission.
The Gaslight Melodrama is located at 12748 Jomani Drive, off of Allen Road, north of Rosedale Highway. “I Hate Shakespeare,” will be running through April 3, with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and matinees at 2 p.m. Sundays. Prices are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $9 for children for night performances. They are $18 for adults and $9 for students on Sundays.