Brick Shakespeare: The Comedies—A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Taming of the Shrew

by John McCann, Monica Sweeney, and Becky Thomas

Explore four of Shakespeare’s comedies like never before—with LEGO bricks! This book presents Shakespeare’s most delightful comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, and The Tempest, in one thousand amazing color photographs. This unique adaptation of the world’s most famous plays stays true to Shakespeare’s original text, while giving audiences an exciting new perspective as the stories are retold with the universally beloved construction toy.

Get caught up in hilarious misadventures as brick Puck leads the lovers astray through the brick forests of Athens. Watch Cupid kill with traps in the plot to marry Beatrice and Benedict. Marvel at the changing disguises of the men vying for brick Bianca’s affections, and feel the churn of the ocean as Prospero sinks his brother’s ship into the brick sea. These iconic stories jump off the page with fun, creative sets built brick by brick, scene by scene!

This incredible method of storytelling gives new life to Shakespeare’s masterpieces. With an abridged form that maintains original Shakespearean language and modern visuals, this ode to the Bard is sure to please all audiences, from the most versed Shakespeare enthusiasts to young students and newcomers alike!

• ISBN10: 1628737336
• ISBN13: 9781628737332
• Publish Date: 8 May 2014 (first published 1 November 2013)
• Publish Status: Transferred
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Skyhorse Publishing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 352
• Language: English

Reviews

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

After reading the "Midsummer Night's Dream" adaptation, some preliminary thoughts:

Many of the LEGO scenes aren't obviously interesting, especially in the beginning. There are various shots of characters standing around talking, not even simulating walking or hand gestures.

Later on the expressions and scenes get a little more expression.

I'm interested in how the creators can control where the audience looks. In Act 5, for instance, when there is a play without a play, the creators can deliberately focus audience attention either on the play or on the audience watching the play. There aren't any shots including both.

The format also allows for some flashbacks and scenes of people's dreams or imaginings, which would not be an option in a live play.