The Complete History of America (Abridged): A Review
something more akin to a standard comedic play (I have never seen any of the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s work). What I learned was that this is much more like a stand up routine that happens to have a script behind it. Which in this case, is not a bad thing at all. In fact, I can safely say that it was one of the most enjoyable theater experiences I have had in a long time.
The play covers almost 500,000 years of American history, from the first people walking across the Bering Strait to President Obama and present day. Through various comedy bits, props, songs, skits and many puns, the play condenses the entirety of American history into roughly two hours of stage time.
This will probably be the easiest review I have ever had to write. Roughly twenty or thirty minutes into the first act, I noticed that I was hardly writing any notes down, and realized this is not the type of play that you deeply analyze and critique. You simply enjoy it. The brightly colored, yet minimalistic set served as a nice backdrop for the action, and the occasional sound queues set up some very funny bits and jokes. The three actors (Mick Mize, Darren Bridgett and Cassidy Brown), are fine comedic actors with impeccable timing, and did a glorious job of playing off the audience, each other, and the occasional mishap (Bridgett's accidental fall through a trap door was a particularly funny, though unintentional, moment).
The only people I wouldn’t recommend this play to, are those who take themselves, and their country, too seriously or those who can’t take a joke. The play contains some mild language and some sexual innuendos, but nothing more than PG-13 material. Otherwise, grab your friends, kick back, and enjoy a history lesson.
Oh, and one final warning: you may get a little wet.
The Complete History of America (Abridged) is running at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at the Dominican University of California until September 25. Tickets run $20-$35. Special “Pay Your Age” prices for adults ages 21 to 34. For tickets and more information, visit www.marinshakespeare.org