From Arts of the Pamlico 

Arts of the Pamlico, in association with the ECU School of Theatre & Dance, will present “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” on April 23 at the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington. Curtain time is 8 p.m.

This cultural touchstone was born when three inspired, charismatic comics, having honed their pass-the-hat act at Renaissance fairs, premiered their preposterous masterwork at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1987. It quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, earning the title of London’s second-longest-running comedy after a decade at the Criterion Theatre.

The play presents all 37 plays in 97 minutes! Three madcap men in tights weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. It’s an irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays.

According to AOP Executive Director Joey Toler, the show will be one for the whole family.

“We are so glad when ECU Theatre brings something to the Turnage,” Toler said. “Last year, we got ‘Lucky Stiff’ and it was one of our best-received events. This should be just as fun. The show moves quickly — it’s witty and physical, and it’s full of laughter for Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.”

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance by calling 252-946-2504. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. the night of the performance. For more information about this and other events at AOP, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.