The works of the world’s greatest playwright are about to receive a frantic, hilarious makeover at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA). Opening Friday, February 20, 2026, BMCA presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), an internationally acclaimed comedy that attempts the impossible: performing all 37 of William Shakespeare’s canonical plays—plus the sonnets—in a single whirlwind performance.
Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a fast, furious, and laugh-out-loud sprint through the Bard’s best—and weirdest—moments. Tragic deaths, wild romances, rapid costume changes, and more ridiculous wigs than a royal court collide as three fearless performers barrel through four centuries of literature at breakneck speed.
Performances will take place February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and March 1, 2026. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20.
This production is presented by Fire in the Head Productions, led by local actor, director, and producer Mike Yow. Yow is a familiar creative force in the Western North Carolina arts scene, with experience spanning professional theatre, film, and television. He has previously directed several well-received productions at BMCA, including I Hate Hamlet and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
Known for assembling dynamic casts and delivering high-energy productions, Yow brings the physical comedy, rapid pacing, and audience engagement the play is famous for to BMCA’s intimate Gale Jackson Theatre. The close proximity between performers and audience makes each moment of theatrical chaos feel immediate and personal.
“Mike always presents a fun, high-energy production,” says John Hall, Associate Director of the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) will be no exception.”
First premiered by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) has become a global phenomenon, delighting audiences with its irreverent take on classic texts. As The Today Show famously noted, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show.”
More than just a parody, the production is a joyous celebration of storytelling that breaks down the barriers often associated with classical theatre. By blending slapstick humor, pop culture references, and lightning-fast improvisation, the show proves that Shakespeare’s work can be accessible, entertaining, and wildly funny for audiences of all backgrounds.
Tickets and additional information are available at BlackMountainArts.org/events or by calling 828-669-0930.
