The Complete Works of
William Shakespeare
Abridged
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield
Director's Note
First off, let me say that I sincerely hope this show is as much fun for you to watch as it has been for us to put it on. One of the exciting things about this play is that the writers- Daniel, Adam, and Jess- specifically designed it to be adapted and updated with modern jokes and references. We had an absolute blast playing around with that and it’s been our pleasure to work together and put traces of our own senses of humor throughout.
Most importantly, I wanted to make sure that we weren’t just putting on a play, but producing an experience that we all (the cast, crew, and audience) could share together. I know that for a lot of us, this is our first time back in the theatre since early 2020, and I wanted to create an even that allowed everyone to relish in the camaraderie of live theatre by giving us the chance to learn, laugh, and admire the genius of Shakespeare together.
On that note, let’s talk about Shakespeare! While working on this play, and getting a chance to listen to his words everyday, I realized that almost every night I was picking up on new meanings, entendres, words, and phrases that felt almost too modern to have been written in the 1600’s. That’s one of the things I find so impressive about Shakespeare - the almost impossible number of words and phrases he wrote that have become part of our everyday vernacular. In fact, we owe a debt of gratitude to Shakespeare, who almost single-handedly turned the English language from an obscure and not terribly expressive language, to what it is today.
With all of that said, I hope that you see our play for what it is intended to be - an homage to the genius of Shakespeare. What a perfect person to bring us all back to the theatre. Welcome back!
-Annabelle Borke, Director
About 413 Repertory Theater
From its modest beginning over 7 years ago, 413 Repertory Theater, a non-profit organization, has evolved into a large theatrical company
with two locations in Southern California. Originally started in Escondido, the company has now produced numerous plays and musicals in both the San Diego and Los Angeles area.
Over the past few years, 413 Rep has become known for the literary nature and high artistic quality of our productions. All of our costumes and sets are designed and created by our talented artistic team. All of our professional production staff are volunteers who donate their time and talents out of love for the theater and the joy that it brings to our audience and communities.
We are always looking to add to our company (actors, directors, designers, crew), please contact us to get involved in our next show!
Words Invented by Shakespeare
In England in the 1500s- when Shakespeare was born- the English language wasn’t a widely written language. All birth certificates, including Shakespeare’s, were written in Latin at that time. There weren’t really enough words in English yet to make up a well-rounded language. It’s largely in part to Shakespeare’s creative mind and his plethora of new words and phrases that English became such a ubiquitous language. By the time of his death- all birth and death certificates in England had switched from Latin to English. If Shakespeare hadn’t taken a liking to writing, here are some words and phrases that we would be without today:
-bump
-cheap
-control
-“As luck would have it”
-“Heart of gold”
-dawn
-lonely
-overblown
-belongings
-hostile
-ode
-restraint
-retirement
-“Kill with kindness”
-“One fell swoop”
-restoration
-savage
-bedroom
-admirable
-dwindle
-disgraceful
-distasteful
-employer
-employed
-engaged
-freezing
-informal
-schoolboy
-“Break the ice”
-“In a pickle”
-gossip
-varied
-manager
-“Wild goose chase”
-“What’s done is done”
-juiced
-neglect
-obscene
-outbreak
-“Foregone conclusion”
-overview
-posture
…AND SO MANY MORE
August 13 - September 5, 2021
At Madeline Gardens, Pasadena, CA.
MEET THE CAST & CREW
Jacob Betts (Daniel)
Jacob is a Los Angeles-based actor originally from the Midwest with a double major in Cinema and Theatre from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. They have attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Yale University’s Acting in Film Summer Session, and they've studied improv at The Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings in Los Angeles, as well as Second City in Chicago. Betts produces the ongoing web series TorchQuest, and plays a major role in the upcoming film Brotherly Lies, currently in post-production.
Colin A. Borden (Adam)
Mr. Borden is very happy to be back with 413 Rep! Favorite credits include a company member of the viral sensation Dhar Mann, Calapine (TRUE Emperor of all Klingon Space) in Klingon Tamburlaine, Gary on Better Call Saul, Marlowe in The Big Sleep of Philip Marlowe, Kylo Ren in Shakespeare's Star Wars the Force Doth Awaken, and Selznick in Moonlight & Magnolias, among others. He is also a stage and motion picture director of varying repute and award. This evening’s performance is for his wife and children. Tomorrow’s will be for Rugby. Good boy, Rugby.
Melissa Harkness (Jess)
Melissa is thrilled to be back on the stage with 413. Her most recent theatre credits include "Arden of Feversham" and "An Ideal Husband" with 413. She would like to thank Annabelle and Julie for giving her this opportunity, her sister, mother and husband, Eric for always supporting her.
Annabelle Borke (Director)
Annabelle is thrilled to be directing her fourth play for the 413 Rep. Previous directing credits include: “Dial M for Murder,” “The Game’s Afoot,” and the award-winning “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Of all of the plays that Annabelle has worked on, she is proud to say that this is by far the silliest. She’d like to thank her fiancé Noah and her family for their love and help in making this come together. Shout out to Croce and Cole!
Danielle Arellano (Stage Manager)
A Pasadena native, Danielle Graduated with a BA in Music at Humboldt State University and obtained a certificate in recording Technology from Citrus College. Her most Stage Management escapades include An Ideal Husband(413 Repertory Theater) a workshop for Marie in the Floating Laboratory (Rogue Artists Ensemble), a reading for Iceland (Overtone Industries), and a production of Wood Boy Dog Fish (Rogue Artists Ensemble). Danielle is excited to be working with 413 Repertory Theater once again.
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Julie Burlington (Producer)
As a performer, director, and producer, Julie has been involved in over 60 stage productions across southern California. Favorite past roles include Miss Dorothy Brown in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cosette in Les Miserables, Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Laurie Williams in Oklahoma. She has also done vocal performances and characters at several theme parks including Legoland, Disneyland, and Walt Disney World. On-screen credits include NBC’s Hairspray LIVE, Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show, and The Big Bang Theory. Julie graduated from UC Berkeley with her B.A. in theater and business. Many thanks to Annabelle, Danielle, and the whole 413 team!