Xavier University Theatre Presents
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, ABRIDGED (REVISED), February 12th – February 15th
(CINCINNATI, January 16th, 2026) – Xavier University Theatre continues its 2025-26 production season with the hilarious and popular comedy, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, ABRIDGED (REVISED), February 12th – February 15th .
All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy! Join these madcap players in tights as they 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.
Xavier professor, Dave Powell (he/him), director of Complete Works, captures the spirited tone of the show and shares his enthusiasm, saying, “I love this because it’s a fun and hilarious introduction to Shakespeare’s work. This show is for lovers of the bard, and for those that have no idea why Montagues hate the Capulets.”
Junior Hannah Barbee (she/her), who plays Jess Winfield, highlights the heart and relevance of the show: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare is not only a hilarious smorgasbord of comedic tricks and bits, but it is a representation of Shakespeare’s continued influence on literature and academia. This show demonstrates how, even hundreds of years later, we continue to be drawn to ideals of love (Romeo and Juliet), betrayal (Julius Caesar), and fate (Macbeth). It is, dare I say, a representation of the human condition in its illustration of the need to laugh, cry, and understand. I am honored to bring it to life with some of the most hilarious and thoughtful people I have ever met and to be under the direction of a true genius in the field of comedic art, Dave Powell.”
Sophomore Olivia Burklow (she/her), stage manager, emphasizes the fast energy and infectious spirit of the comedy, explaining, “As someone who grew up on the ridiculous humor of Mel Brooks, this has been the perfect show for me to stage manage. With the comedic genius of both the actors and the director, this has been easily the most
entertaining show I have ever been a part of. If you love the classics like “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” or “The Princess Bride”, The Complete Works is a theatre production you won’t want to miss!”
The cast also includes Josi Pietrzyk (junior) and Loften Cooper (sophomore).
The show is directed by Dave Powell. The design team includes Joe Beumer (Light Designer), Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer), Raya Franklin (Sound Designer), and Joe Leonard (Set Designer and Technical Director). Other technical and designer team members include Bailee Price (Props Designer), Annaliese Monahan (Props Designer), Corinne Tiernan (Asst. Costume Designer), Alec Schneider (Master Electrician), Sean Moss (Light Board Operator), Enzo Battaglia (Run Crew), Jaime Israel (Costume Crew), Anna Smith (Costume Crew), and Tylen Gordon (Costume Crew). The assistant stage managers are Loretta Rubin and Lilliana Stiverson. The show is produced by Stephen Skiles.
Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on February 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, and 2:00 pm on February 14th and 15th. Tickets are available now. They are $20 each for adults and $15 each for Xavier students, faculty and staff. Seating is limited.
To purchase tickets, visit https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200483791.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 