‘A Complete History’ that’s completely hilarious

Imagine sitting through a history class where you didn’t have to worry about taking a test afterward to see how much you’d learned.

That scenario will come to life on the stage of Auburn University’s Telfair Peet Theatre when “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” opens today as part of the Return of Summerstage series.

Questions like who discovered America, who was behind Watergate and why Lincoln freed the slaves will all be posed — and not answered.

The Complete History of America (Abridged) is a play written by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. Chris Qualls, AU Theatre assistant professor, is directing this production that condenses 600 years worth of American history into 6,000 seconds.

On this comedic history lesson, there’s no need to take notes.

“You won’t learn a thing,” joked Qualls. “It’s (play) not very accurate, but it’s funny.”

Women & Love, also part of Summerstage, and directed by Daydrie Hague, is a musical celebration of women and the people they love.

In so many cases, history is recounted by those with a specific agenda.

That won’t be the case with “The Complete History of America (Abridged).”

“With this show, we’re not particularly interested in showing history herstory, theirstory or that creepy-guy-next-door-story from any particular point of view,” Qualls said. “We just want to make a lot of money.”

If You Go
What: The Complete History of America (Abridged)

When: June 18 through June 22. Evening shows at 7:30 p.m. Matinees June 22 and July 13 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Telfair Peet Theatre

What: Women & Love

When: July through July 13

Where: Telfair Peet Theatre

Tickets for both are free to AU students with valid ID, $20 general public, $15 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, $10 for grade and high school students. For more information, contact 334-844-4154.