Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - If you've ever wanted to take in Hamlet on stage, but weren't willing to sacrifice four hours of your life, have Sir John Franklin students got a deal for you.

Eugene Boulanger dances like a zombie while rehearsing a number inspired by the Michael Jackson Thriller video. - Jennifer Geens/NNSL photo

Silly Shakespeare gets through Hamlette -- Hamlet if the main character was a woman -- in 30 minutes, and throws in Mmmbeth, an abridged comic version of Macbeth, at no extra charge.

"I can't wait to get into NACC," said Eugene Boulanger, who plays Mmmbeth.

Instead of five acts, Mmmbeth summarizes the action of Macbeth in 17 short scenes with humour for all ages.

"There are jokes kids would get, and there are jokes for an older audience," said Boulanger.

The scripts lend themselves to comic improvisation. Wednesday's rehearsal was punctuated with laughter as students threw themselves into the performance, trying their best to crack each other up.

"This is actually going pretty smoothly," said Alyssa Hoeft, who plays Lady Mmmbeth.

"Usually we end up talking," she said.

As is always the case, the Sir John drama crew is going all out. There is a dance number inspired by the Michael Jackson Thriller video, and a hoedown. The cost of the costumes alone is running close to $3,000.

Drama teacher Landon Peters said some might think that because the word Shakespeare is in the title, the play is too complex for younger kids, but there's plenty for them to enjoy in the show.

"There's music and dance and lots of crowd interaction," he said.

The show runs Friday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.