THEATER REVIEW / ‘A CRY OF PLAYERS’ : A Singular Fellow : Playwright William Gibson’s Shakespeare is both rowdy and erudite, and lots of fun to watch in this Moorpark production.

Most of us picture William Shakespeare as a middle-aged fellow with a receding hairline who may (or may not) have been the greatest writer in the history of the English language. But, what of his early life?

Playwright William Gibson speculated on Shakespeare’s last years before moving to London and success, many years before his Broadway hits “Two for the Seesaw” and “The Miracle Worker.” The result was 1947’s “A Cry of Players.” Gibson rewrote and revived the piece 20 years later, and it’s this version that is being presented through this weekend by the Moorpark College Theatre Guild.

By the age of 21, Gibson tells us, Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway, and the two produced three children. Restless and unfaithful in his marriage to the older Anne, he was further distressed by the impending but boring prospect of moving to another town and becoming an English teacher.

And then, a troupe of itinerant players comes to Stratford-on-Avon, aiming to entertain the populace before moving on.

Based on what few historical accounts there are, Gibson’s William Shakespeare is a singular fellow: both incorrigibly rowdy and fascinated with the intricacies of the English language. He’d as soon toss off a good pun as poach a deer from Sir Thomas Lacy’s forest--though, of course, it’s far easier to make a joke than it is to simmer Bambi.

Lorry Faulkner is a rowdy Shakespeare, lots of fun to watch when he’s out with the boys or tormenting his sourpuss brother Gilbert (Wendell Still). Linda Stiegler plays Anne Hathaway, patient almost to the point of saintliness but strong enough to serve as a model for Kate in “The Taming of the Shrew.”

Among the other standout performers in a large and capable cast are Douglas Hill as Kemp, the charismatic leader of the troupe of strolling players; Kelly Vincent as Ned, the leading actor; Greg McCleary and Kimberly C. Sumpter as a couple of base townsfolk; Jennifer Racine as one of Shakespeare’s extramarital interests; and Robyn Saxer as Suzanna, Anne and William’s five-year-old daughter.

Faculty member Marjorie A. Berg directed; she’s also worked extensively with the Moorpark Melodrama (under its former management) and the Conejo Players, where she most recently directed “The Gin Game.” It’s to her credit as well as the actors’ that they are able to proceed so nimbly through Gibson’s clever mock-Shakespeare dialogue.

Owing mainly to several humorous references to male and female genitalia, the play is not recommended for those scandalized by such talk.

* WHERE AND WHEN

“A Cry of Players” continues through this weekend at the Moorpark College Campus Forum, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. Performances are at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday. General admission tickets are $7; and $5 for students, seniors and Moorpark College staff. For reservations or further information, call 378-1438.