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Popverse's very own Ashley Victoria Robinson is about to make a rare appearance on stage outside of a convention centre in Los Angeles this weekend, appearing as a company actor in Shakes on the Rocks on Saturday, May the 17th.

'What is Shakes on the Rocks,' you might be asking? We're happy to educate. Shakes on the Rocks is, in the words of its producers, “an ongoing Shakespeare cabaret at Idle Hour that takes our conceptions of Shakespeare and type casting, then cuts the fat and throws it in a blender.” What that means in practice is that the various talented performers offers the audience the choice between two Shakespearean classics, via a wheel spin, with the winner being performed in an improvised, shortened format over the next 90 minutes.

Comedy or tragedy? Romance or philosophy? What will the wheel decide? Guess you'll have to come to find out, if you're local. (Or, alternately, able to travel on May 17 and a lover of the arts!) Let's note, however, that one of the potential plays up for grabs is Ashley's favourite play of all time, so kindly cross your fingers that this is what the wheel ends up weighted toward.

As if the chance to see Ashley in her theatrical element wasn't enough of a draw to the show, this year's event also sees a new host stepping into the spotlight at the Roguelike. Founding member, Zoo Holmström, takes over from James Ferrero, who has performed hosting duties since Shakes on the Rocks' inception in 2018.

Holmström is excited for this weekend's show, they told Popverse: "This year marked a whole bunch of changes for the Shakes on the Rocks team; an influx of new cast members, new plays, new games, and a brand new host. I, Zoo Holmström, an original Shakes cast member and long time producer, have wrested the reins from the eminent James Ferrero, and have taken over permanent hosting duties. I am a long time Shakespeare superfan, and after a few test runs last year, am excited to officially host Shakes on the Rocks. Barroom Shakespeare has become one of my favorite ways to perform and experience Shakespeare, as it feels alive and true to its original, raucous form. In light of the worldwide uncertainty we face, I find comfort and solace in these words that have prevailed for over 400 years. Allowing this familiar text to change and evolve through radically different sociopolitical contexts over the centuries is why I believe Shakespeare has endured and continues to be performed worldwide. Plus, who doesn’t love insulting their enemy six ways from Sunday?"

Shakes on the Rocks producers have revealed one of the two potential Shakespeare plays which will be on the wheel in their upcoming May the 17th show - Hamlet or As You Like It! You can get your tickets here.

"It's 2024, and your favorite randomized Shakespeare cabaret is back! 12 actors, 2 plays, 1 wheel of destiny." Shakes on the Rocks creator and producer James Ferrero added. "Fate will decide the play we do, and chance will decide the parts the actors play. For our next show, Julius Caesar and [Romeo & Juliet] will be our options. So be sure to grab a drink and some food at our home, The Roguelike Tavern, and dial in (2 Item Minimum). And if you're feeling lucky, step right up to see how you do with a little trivia. But be careful, Playing Our Bards Right ain't your grandma's trivia. Or maybe it is, and your grandma is just super rad. We'll see you at the show!"

The event, which takes place around six times a year, was created by James Ferrero, and is produced by Ferrero, Zoo Holmstrom, Acacia Garden Fisher, Rob Angell, and Lindsay Zana.

Shows take place at the Roguelike Tavern in Burbank. More information about Shakes on the Rocks can be found here.

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