ROCHELLE — Do you like Shakespeare? Do you like to laugh? Then the upcoming VCCT production of “The Complete works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” will be just your cup of tea.
The show has three actors performing all the works of Shakespeare in 90 hilarious minutes and opens July13.
This production features VCCT veterans Terry Camplain, Chris Johnson and Curt Helgren. Carrie Johnson is directing the comedy.
Camplain said the show was unique in that the characters are really themselves.
“I relate to the character very well because it is me,” Camplain said of his role. “But, as myself, I play many parts in the production—including Romeo, Nurse, Julius Ceaser, and many other characters of all ages and gender.”
It’s a physical show.

“This show is very fast paced and involves many quick changes as we switch characters immediately during any given scene,” Camplain said. He added that he was not up on his Shakespeare and that will probably show at some point during the run of the play.
Camplain has been a part of VCCT for a long time. His favorite shows include the Tunas, the Escanaba series, “Wrong Window,” and “A Few Good Men.” He has also been in several musicals, written and directed a show, and served as assistant director for the most recent production, “Avenue Q.”
This is not the first time he has appeared with Johnson and Helgren on stage.
“They are both great actors and their comedic timing is wonderful, which makes the work on this show so much fun. It’s also really cool that we are all friends and we enjoy each other’s company. We laugh so hard sometimes during practice that my stomach hurts at the end of the night,” he added.
Dates and
tickets
Show dates for “The Complete works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” are July 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21. Curtain time for the Friday and Saturday shows is 8 p.m. while the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.
Performances will be held in Paddock Hall located inside Hickory Grove Center, 1133 N. Seventh St. in Rochelle.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased on line or at the door.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.vcctrochelle.org.