"Curate Shakespeare As You Like It" in Milwaukee Wears Flaws Well

By Ken Morgan

A running routine in Don Nigro's 'The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It' is that the famous 'All the world's a stage' speech from Shakespeare's play and it's never successfully finished. That pretty well describes this play.

One of the most prolific playwrights in American history, Nigro has published over 200 scripts. When asked to create a stripped-down version of 'As You Like It' to be performed by a minimum number of actors, he hit on the idea of a troupe of six amateur actors, led by a curate, who attempt to perform all 30 plus roles in an empty -- or is it nearly empty? -- theater. A sound creative idea with intriguing possibilities, but alas, the enterprise is sick, and the execution falls short of ideal."

"The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It" plays at Village Church Arts at 130 E. Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee through March 4. Call (414) 332-3963 for tickets.