[[File:44952124765_ce164c6171_o_(1).jpg|frame|left|PLAYING A DICKENS OF A PAIR OF ROLES IN A REVIVAL OF A TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL MYSTERY CLASSIC!: Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Founder, Los Angeles-based theatre artist and Joseph Jefferson Citation Award-winning actor DARRYL MAXIMILIAN ROBINSON had a musical theatre performer's field day on the occasion he returned to his hometown of Chicago and appeared for the first time in 17 years ( to wonderful reviews ) and played the marvelous dual roles of The Chairman Mr. William Cartwright of The Music Hall Royale and The Honorable Mayor Thomas Sapsea in skilled director / music director ROBERT-ERIC WEST'S 2018 revival staging of multi-talented composer, lyricist, book author RUPERT HOLMES' Tony Award-winning, CHARLES DICKENS' novel-based Best Musical Mystery Whodunit "THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD" presented by THE SAINT SEBASTIAN PLAYERS CHICAGO on stage at the lovely, more than a century old ST. BONAVENTURE CHURCH in the Lakeview neighborhood of The Windy City. Photo by SSP Production Set Designer and Decorator EMIL ZBELLA. ]]
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[[File:1987_Original_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_Program_Cover_/_Showcard.jpg|frame|left|An Original 1987 Program Cover / Showcard for The Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago presentation of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD".]][[File:IMG_8774.jpg|thumb|left|A 2017 Photo of Darryl Maximilian Robinson holding a framed copy of The Original 1987 Program Cover / Showcard for "A BIT OF THE BARD" by J. L. Watt. ]][[File:Bard_Promo.jpg|thumb|left|1997 Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Promo Card of "A BIT OF THE BARD" designed by Jeff Helgeson.]] [[File:Jim_Waterston's_June_1993_West_End_Word_of_St_Louis_review_of_Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_in_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|June 1993 West End Word Theatre Review of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in The Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Engagement of "A BIT OF THE BARD" at The Wabash Triangle Café of St. Louis by Jim Waterston. ]][[File:Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_St._Louis.jpg|frame|left|The Final Public St. Louis Engagement of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" occurred in June of 1993 at THE WABASH TRIANGLE CAFE in The Gateway City.]][[File:19824774000_6bd2faa4dd_o.jpg|frame|left|Part One of the Academics Feature Story of Darryl Maximilian Robinson's Fall 1993 performances in "A BIT OF THE BARD" and "WAITING FOR GODOT" at Northeast Missouri State University ( NMSU ) in the 1994 Echo Yearbook by Carmen Cohen. ]][[File:19390133914_d49a74941c_o.jpg|frame|left|Part Two of the Academics Feature Story of Darryl Maximilian Robinson's Fall 1993 performances in "A BIT OF THE BARD" and "WAITING FOR GODOT at Northeast Missouri State University ( NMSU ) in the 1994 Echo Yearbook by Carmen Cohen.]][[File:Unnamed.jpg|frame|left|Feb. 1989 Letter of Reference from Boarshead Theatre of Lansing, Michigan Managing Director Judith L. Gentry regarding Mr. Robinson's presentation of "A BIT OF THE BARD" as part of the 1989 Winterfare New Plays Festival at The Boarshead.]][[File:Mike_Hughes'_Jan._1989_Lansing_State_Journal_entertainment_feature_on_Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_in_Joe_Mama_and_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_at_The_Boarshead_Theatre_of.jpg|frame|left|Jan. 1989 Lansing State Journal article on Darryl Maximilian Robinson's appearance as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" at The Boarshead Theatre of Lansing as part of the Winterfare New Play Festival by Mike Hughes. ]][[File:Rudyard_Kipling_Pub..jpg|frame|left|The Performance Room of THE RUDYARD KIPLING PUB in Louisville, Kentucky where Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" won over new fans of Shakespeare in this Hamlet that is a jewel of "The New South." ]][[File:Download_(3).jpg|frame|left|When Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" in its first Louisville, Kentucky Premiere Engagement in 1990, it was a production presented on a double-bill with Samuel Beckett's "KRAPP'S LAST TAPE" starring veteran Louisville actor DICK DAVIS. Both one-man shows were produced by MARK REESE ( son of famed baseball player Pee-Wee Reese ) under the banner of GUYLAND WITT PLAYERS! The Rudyard Kipling Pub's owners and operators KEN AND SHEILA PYLE were so delighted by Mr. Robinson's performance that they invited him to return in the summer of 1991 for and encore run of "A BIT OF THE BARD" and to direct, stage and star in A FULL-CAST production of "SOUNDS AND SCENES BY SHAKESPEARE" under the banner of his own company, EXCALIBER PRODUCTIONS, LTD. OF CHICAGO. ]][[File:Streetview.jpg|frame|left|The Louisville, Kentucky Premeire Engagement of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" took place at the popular entertainment venue and eatery THE RUDYARD KIPLING PUB in 1990. ]][[File:Chicago_Reader.png|frame|left|1989 Chicago Reader Arts Calendar Listing of "A BIT OF THE BARD" being performed at Chicago's St. Xavier College. News-Photo of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" upon The Minstrel's Glen Stage of the 1988 Bristol Renaissance Faire of Kenosha, Wi. by Robert Levy. ]][[File:1b.jpg|frame|left|Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in THE FINAL ENGAGEMENT OF "A BIT OF THE BARD" ( Updated and retitled "A BIT OF THE BARD: 2001" ) at The Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre in Oak Park, Il. ESC Archival Photo and unusual Painting of the immortal Bard by J. L. Watt.]][[File:May_2001_Chicago_Defender_Feature_Story_on_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_.png|thumb|left|May 2001 Chicago Defender Feature Story on Darryl Maximilian Robinson in THE FINAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OF "A BIT OF THE BARD: 2001" at The Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre in Oak Park, Il. ]][[File:Performance_Room_of_Chicago's_red_Lion_Pub._.jpg|frame|left|The Upstairs Performance Room of THE RED LION PUB on Lincoln Ave. in The Windy City where in Oct. of 1987 Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean presented The Chicago Premiere of his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy, "A BIT OF THE BARD." ]][[File:Chicago's_Red_Lion_Pub_at_night..jpg|frame|left|Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in the Oct. 1987 Chicago Premiere of "A BIT OF THE BARD" at THE RED LION PUB on Lincoln Ave. in The Windy City.]][[File:Street_Entrance_to_Chicago's_Red_Lion_Pub..jpg|frame|left|Lincoln Ave. Street Entrance of THE RED LION PUB of Chicago, Il. as it appeared when Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean and presented "A BIT OF THE BARD" there during its Windy City Premiere in October of 1987.]]
[[File:1987_Original_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_Program_Cover_/_Showcard.jpg|frame|left|An Original 1987 Program Cover / Showcard for The Excaliber Productions, Ltd. of Chicago presentation of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD".]][[File:IMG_8774.jpg|thumb|left|A 2017 Photo of Darryl Maximilian Robinson holding a framed copy of The Original 1987 Program Cover / Showcard for "A BIT OF THE BARD" by J. L. Watt. ]][[File:Bard_Promo.jpg|thumb|left|1997 Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago Promo Card of "A BIT OF THE BARD" designed by Jeff Helgeson.]] [[File:Jim_Waterston's_June_1993_West_End_Word_of_St_Louis_review_of_Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_in_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_at_The_Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_.jpg|frame|left|June 1993 West End Word Theatre Review of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in The Excaliber Productions, Ltd. Engagement of "A BIT OF THE BARD" at The Wabash Triangle Café of St. Louis by Jim Waterston. ]][[File:Wabash_Triangle_Cafe_St._Louis.jpg|frame|left|The Final Public St. Louis Engagement of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" occurred in June of 1993 at THE WABASH TRIANGLE CAFE in The Gateway City.]][[File:19824774000_6bd2faa4dd_o.jpg|frame|left|Part One of the Academics Feature Story of Darryl Maximilian Robinson's Fall 1993 performances in "A BIT OF THE BARD" and "WAITING FOR GODOT" at Northeast Missouri State University ( NMSU ) in the 1994 Echo Yearbook by Carmen Cohen. ]][[File:19390133914_d49a74941c_o.jpg|frame|left|Part Two of the Academics Feature Story of Darryl Maximilian Robinson's Fall 1993 performances in "A BIT OF THE BARD" and "WAITING FOR GODOT at Northeast Missouri State University ( NMSU ) in the 1994 Echo Yearbook by Carmen Cohen.]][[File:Unnamed.jpg|frame|left|Feb. 1989 Letter of Reference from Boarshead Theatre of Lansing, Michigan Managing Director Judith L. Gentry regarding Mr. Robinson's presentation of "A BIT OF THE BARD" as part of the 1989 Winterfare New Plays Festival at The Boarshead.]][[File:Mike_Hughes'_Jan._1989_Lansing_State_Journal_entertainment_feature_on_Darryl_Maximilian_Robinson_in_Joe_Mama_and_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_at_The_Boarshead_Theatre_of.jpg|frame|left|Jan. 1989 Lansing State Journal article on Darryl Maximilian Robinson's appearance as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" at The Boarshead Theatre of Lansing as part of the Winterfare New Play Festival by Mike Hughes. ]][[File:Rudyard_Kipling_Pub..jpg|frame|left|The Performance Room of THE RUDYARD KIPLING PUB in Louisville, Kentucky where Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" won over new fans of Shakespeare in this Hamlet that is a jewel of "The New South." ]][[File:Download_(3).jpg|frame|left|When Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy "A BIT OF THE BARD" in its first Louisville, Kentucky Premiere Engagement in 1990, it was a production presented on a double-bill with Samuel Beckett's "KRAPP'S LAST TAPE" starring veteran Louisville actor DICK DAVIS. Both one-man shows were produced by MARK REESE ( son of famed baseball player Pee-Wee Reese ) under the banner of GUYLAND WITT PLAYERS! The Rudyard Kipling Pub's owners and operators KEN AND SHEILA PYLE were so delighted by Mr. Robinson's performance that they invited him to return in the summer of 1991 for and encore run of "A BIT OF THE BARD" and to direct, stage and star in A FULL-CAST production of "SOUNDS AND SCENES BY SHAKESPEARE" under the banner of his own company, EXCALIBER PRODUCTIONS, LTD. OF CHICAGO. ]][[File:Streetview.jpg|frame|left|The Louisville, Kentucky Premeire Engagement of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" took place at the popular entertainment venue and eatery THE RUDYARD KIPLING PUB in 1990. ]][[File:Chicago_Reader.png|frame|left|1989 Chicago Reader Arts Calendar Listing of "A BIT OF THE BARD" being performed at Chicago's St. Xavier College. News-Photo of Darryl Maximilian Robinson as Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in "A BIT OF THE BARD" upon The Minstrel's Glen Stage of the 1988 Bristol Renaissance Faire of Kenosha, Wi. by Robert Levy. ]][[File:1b.jpg|frame|left|Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in THE FINAL ENGAGEMENT OF "A BIT OF THE BARD" ( Updated and retitled "A BIT OF THE BARD: 2001" ) at The Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre in Oak Park, Il. ESC Archival Photo and unusual Painting of the immortal Bard by J. L. Watt.]][[File:May_2001_Chicago_Defender_Feature_Story_on_A_Bit_of_the_Bard_.png|thumb|left|May 2001 Chicago Defender Feature Story on Darryl Maximilian Robinson in THE FINAL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OF "A BIT OF THE BARD: 2001" at The Harrison Street Galleries Studio Theatre in Oak Park, Il. ]][[File:Performance_Room_of_Chicago's_red_Lion_Pub._.jpg|frame|left|The Upstairs Performance Room of THE RED LION PUB on Lincoln Ave. in The Windy City where in Oct. of 1987 Darryl Maximilian Robinson as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean presented The Chicago Premiere of his original one-man show of Shakespeare and time-travel comedy, "A BIT OF THE BARD." ]][[File:Chicago's_Red_Lion_Pub_at_night..jpg|frame|left|Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean in the Oct. 1987 Chicago Premiere of "A BIT OF THE BARD" at THE RED LION PUB on Lincoln Ave. in The Windy City.]][[File:Street_Entrance_to_Chicago's_Red_Lion_Pub..jpg|frame|left|Lincoln Ave. Street Entrance of THE RED LION PUB of Chicago, Il. as it appeared when Darryl Maximilian Robinson appeared as His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean and presented "A BIT OF THE BARD" there during its Windy City Premiere in October of 1987.]]
Revision as of 19:22, 9 October 2019
Regarding Co-writer, Adapter, Director and Performer Darryl Maximilian Robinson's Original One-Man Show of Shakespeare and Time-Travel Comedy A Bit of the Bard.
A critically-praised solo theatre performance work and highly-amusing bit of fictionalized fluff, A Bit of the Bard concerns the wild and wonderfully wacky misadventures of His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean, a 17th-century Shakespearean actor and completely unwilling time-traveler. In the year of Our Lord, 1660, when serving and touring Europe as a royal good-will ambassador ( for his very distant and "eager-to-get-rid-of-him!" cousin, King Malcolm of Scotland ), Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean, a black, African, English, Scottish Lord, and noted Shakespearean actor, is summoned by Their Majesties, King Stephan and Queen Caroline of Denmark, to give a command performance in the title role of the immortal bard William Shakespeare's Henry V. During the play, His Lordship is struck "by a bleeding bolt of lightning!", and propelled 327 years into the future, arriving embedded "up to his buttocks in snow!" in the side of a mountain in modern America's Vail, Colorado in 1987 ( at The Height of The Reagan Administration! ). While sharing a series of comic tales of his now-contemporary experiences in this "strange new world" ( including being mistaken as a dead-ringer, look-a-like of African diplomat, His Excellency, Ambassador Omar Barutu of Senegal ), His Lordship does what he does best - he acts - performing some of the funniest and most moving speeches from the plays of William Shakespeare. Sir Richard regales his audience with selections from: As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Othello, King Lear, The Taming of The Shrew, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, among others, all while serving a running commentary of the social, cultural, and political issues of America's modern age and nursing an ever-flowing bottle of champagne! Does His Most Revered Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean ever return to his own time and place of the 17th-century? To quote the late, great Fats Waller: "One never knows, do one?". A Bit of the Bard, co-written, adapted, directed and performed by Darryl Maximilian Robinson ( The Founder of the multiracial chamber theatres, Excaliber Productions, Ltd. in Chicago, St. Louis and Louisville, Ky. and The Excaliber Shakespeare Company of Chicago ) in the role of His Lordship, Sir Richard Drury Kemp-Kean, had its World Premiere Saturday May 9, 1987 at Ruby's Dinner Theatre ( aka Ruby's Bar & Grill ) in Eagle-Vail, Colorado ( in The Heart of The Rockies ). It was originally produced by Steve and Elly Jelacic, with Jeffrey Lee Tucker serving as Production Coordinator and Cat Brandt acting as Graphics Designer and Promotional Assistant.