(out of 
)Two seasons ago, Actor's Theatre of Phoenix presented the successful The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged). From the same authors comes a shortened, pointed look at the evolution of our homeland, The Complete History of America (abridged). Only one actor, Jon Gentry, remains from the production of the first work. Into the mix have been added Director Bob Sorenson and actors Richard Trujillo and Ben Brittain. As a result of these changes, and Mr. Sorenson's sure and steady hand, ATP has found a hilarious balance that is sure to score another hit for the company.
This ninety minute retrospective, with a decidedly leftist bent and a cynical sheen over the entire work, allows three actors to recreate everything from the gobbeldy-gook retelling of the folklore of Native American's, George Washington's impregnation of the country, the Vaudeville team of Lewis and Clark, up through the acid trip and hangover of the last part of this century. With so many and varied gags, there are inevitably a few misfires. But, with the trio's consistent energy and mostly-consistent pacing, trademarks of Mr. Sorenson's acting style and fast becoming indicative of his direction, it isn't long before another hilarious gag or a delightful non-sequitur comes along to make up for the few clinkers.
This production is definitely darker and nastier than the often bawdy comedy of Shakespeare (abridged). It is probably inevitable, given the subject matter, which allows for so many jabs at political, spiritual and social figureheads. I must admit, though, that even I, who considers himself slightly to the left of Trotsky politically, found the incessant anti-conservative sentiment a bit much.
The trio of Messrs. Brittain, Gentry and Trujillo definitely work well together, and their equally impressive and uproarious performances, despite a few hesitations and lapses due to the enormous line load, keep this dark comedy moving at a zippy pace. Comic timing in a jest-filled show such as this is crucial, and Mr. Sorenson's on-target direction coupled with the immense amount of work these three veteran actor's seem to have put into the show has kept it peppy.
Mr. Gentry is great portraying most of the women in the show, similar to his role in the prior production, and his ditzy portrayal is over-the-top without being overwhelming. Mr. Brittain smoothly transitions between so many varied characters that a scorecard is necessary to keep track. Mr. Trujillo is wonderfully deadpan and straight-faced through some very funny bits, and his natural attitude throughout is a great counterbalance to Mr. Gentry's over-the-top zaniness.
Visually, the show is full of just as many crucial site gags as the performances, and John Howell Hood's Scenic Design aids admirably in these. Also equally effective is Paul Black's Lighting Design, and David Empey's Sound Design. Susan Johnson Hood's costumes aid even more in filling the stage with one gag after another.
I was not particularly impressed with the production of Shakespeare (abridged) two seasons ago, and found myself in the minority. With The Complete History of America (abridged), I find myself marveling at the impressive performances, and not unhappy with script changes as I had been for the first show. It is obvious from the additions of recent newsmaking characters such as Linda Tripp, that Mr. Sorenson and others have updated the script to make it more topical, and these changes are not nearly as tasteless as those made to the first script.
Kudos go to all involved with this show. If you don't mind
a generous heaping of cynical humor and sides and cheeks that
hurt from so much laughing, then I heartily recommend this hilarious
history class.
Production Details:
The Complete History of America (abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin and
Austin Tichenor
Actor's Theatre of Phoenix at the Herberger Theatre Stage West,
Phoenix
253-2701
October 9th-November 1st, 1998