The world-renowned comedy trio, The Reduced Shakespeare Company, will present "The Complete World of Sports (abridged)" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Widely acclaimed as "hilarious," "Python-esque" and "very, very silly," "The Complete World of Sports (abridged)" is coming to W.M. Turner Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

The fast-paced comedy, which takes the audience through the world of sports at record-breaking speed, is the newest spoof of the comedy trio, the Reduced Shakespeare Company, also known as "the Bad Boys of Abridgement."

According to a review by the "Boston Globe," "One sketch rapidly gives way to another, and then another, blending slapstick, sight gags, hernia-inducing puns, and genuine verbal wit."

"Men and women alike will thoroughly enjoy this script which includes a slow motion, instant replay of a rock-paper-scissors game, a bit about men's synchronized swimming, and even a demonstration of the first sport every played: Neanderthal-in-the-Middle," said Dr. John W. Goodall, associate dean of the SFA College of Fine Arts.

The California-based group is known the world over for its previous shows, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)," "The Complete History of America (abridged)," and others dealing with western civilization, the Bible, Hollywood, and the musical.

"What's great about this show," according to one of the actors, "is that, as an audience member, just like in the Bible show or the Shakespeare show, you don't have to know anything about the subject matter to enjoy it."

Visit the troupe's website at www.reducedshakespeare.com to learn more.

The event is sponsored in part by Commercial Bank of Texas. W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Dr. on the SFA campus.

Tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.