All of Shakespeare in 97 minutes?

Warwick — The Illustrious Theatre Company at the Warwick Valley Winery, best known for its summer outdoor “Shakespeare in the Orchard” productions, will warm up for the summer with the comedy, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” Authored by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, the play was a record-breaking hit in London in 1987, and had a successful run at the Westside Arts Theatre in New York City in 1995. In this parody of Shakespeare’s works, three actors perform all 37 of his plays in about 97 minutes. Shakespeare’s sonnets are reduced to eight lines, his comedies condensed to a single short sketch, and his tragedies are unmercifully spoofed, with Titus Andronicus as a cooking show. Ben Brantley of the New York Times wrote, “the play embodies one of comedy’s most essential impulses: the adolescent urge to take a baseball bat to the culturally revered. A mix of pratfalls, puns, willful misreadings of names and dialogue, clunky female impersonations, clean-cut ribaldry, and broad burlesque.” This production is directed by the company’s artistic director Mary Clifford. The cast includes Thom Gomez of Monroe, Michael Frohnhoefer of New Windsor, and Nick Butler of Middletown. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 7:30 on Sundays, April 28, 29 and 30, and May 5, 6, and 7. Seating, which is cabaret style, begins 90 minutes before curtain to allow time to enjoy a delicacy or two from the bistro-style menu. Food orders must be placed at least 45 minutes before curtain. Tickets are now on sale at the winery at 114 Little York Rd. in Warwick, and The Bookstore at 20 Main Street in Warwick. Or call the winery at 258-4858. Ticket prices are $17, and $15 for seniors and children 12 and under. Advanced purchase is recommended. The winery is located just off County Route 1 in the Pine Island region. For further information, call 973-764-4936, or visit www.wvwinery.com or www.theillustrioustheatre.org.