Cheapjack Shakespeare

Webcomic by Shaun McLaughlin

Cheapjack Shakespeare is a webcomic and stage play created by Shaun McLaughlin[1] and produced by Gabriel Benson. Though it was initially published as a webcomic, it was adapted from a screenplay and the storyboards for an unproduced film.[2][3] Cheapjack Shakespeare was later adapted as a play.

Plot

Cheapjack Shakespeare revolves around a college Shakespeare company falling apart as they attempt to stage an outdoor production, with cast members being unfaithful with each other.[3][4]

Stage play

In June 2010, it was announced that the comic would be produced as a stage play, Cheapjack Shakespeare: The Non-Musical.[5] This premiered in Buffalo, NY on September 9, 2010, at the Alt Theatre, directed by Drew McCabe.[3] The cast included Kristin Bentley, Arin Lee Dandes and Daniel Morris.[6] This production broke sales records for the Alt Theater.[7]

Reception

Comic Attack praised the comic, calling it "heartfelt" and praising the plotting, while noting that the 3D-rendering-style art would put off many people.[8] Jeff Wilber found the tale of amateur dramatics to be true to life, but disliked the art, which is produced using storyboarding software of the kind used in the motion picture industry.[4]

References

  1. ^ Pinter, Karyn. "Shaun McLaughlin: More Confusion Than Bitterness". Comics Bulletin. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  2. ^ McCabe, Drew. "Interview with Shaun McLaughlin: From Aquaman to Justice League and Beyond". Archived from the original on 18 August 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  3. ^ a b c "CHEAPJACK SHAKESPEARE Graphic Novel Adapted To The Stage 9/9 At Alt Theatre". Broadway World. June 22, 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2012.
  4. ^ a b Wilber, Jeff (September 7, 2010). "Cheapjack Shakespeare: A Graphic Novel Written by Shaun McLaughlin". Buffalo Rising. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010.
  5. ^ "CHEAPJACK SHAKESPEARE Graphic Novel Adapted To The Stage 9/9 At Alt Theatre". 26 July 2010.
  6. ^ Mason, Tom (August 14, 2010). "Cheapjack Shakespeare: The Graphic Novel Play". Comix 411/Gear Live.
  7. ^ "CHEAPJACK SHAKESPEARE: THE NON-MUSICAL Breaks Records Opening Weekend". Broadway World.
  8. ^ "Indie Reviews: Cheapjack Shakespeare". Comic Attack. March 30, 2010. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved October 18, 2012.