Raise a glass to Shakespeare in online drinking-game comedy

To beer, or not to beer. That is the question. The folks behind what may be the world’s most literary drinking game are back with a new edition of “ShakesBeer,” the refreshingly comic take on some of William Shakespeare’s best-known works.

“Virtual ShakesBeer: Hamlet Edition” will be presented on Orlando Shakes’ Facebook page just in time for happy hour, 6 p.m. Friday. In the free show, written and directed by Mark Routhier, a narrator leads the viewers and performers through a com

ical and abbreviated retelling of the classic Shakespeare tale.

“Hamlet,” of course, is very much a tragedy. So turning melancholy musings, murder and madness into laughs will be Job 1. Or maybe Job 2. The narrator also serves as a “drinking guide” to the game — in which the performers also participate.

Keeping up with the imbibing is the real Job 1.

I first encountered this silliness at the 2015 Orlando Fringe Festival, when “Romeo and Juliet” was the story told by Jennifer Bonner, Ross Neal and Kristin Schoffner. A colleague wrote the official review for the Orlando Sentinel and proclaimed it a “can’t-miss concept” that celebrates Shakespeare while spoofing the great writer’s go-to tropes. I heartily and happily concur with that assessment.

At the beginning of May, Routhier and the performers reunited to present an online version of the “Romeo and Juliet” edition, which drew more than 2,000 viewers watching live. That number has continued to grow, along with hundreds of comments. (If you want to see what the fuss is about, the performance is still at Facebook.com/OrlandoShakes.)

Some commenters offered their own glowing reviews:

“Jen and a puppet in a stunning death scene,” wrote fan Dana Nichols in double exclamation-point excitement. “I never would’ve dreamed it!!”

Others feared for their liver.

“I’m drinking a Guinness faster than I have ever before,” observed viewer Brian Sikorski.

“After receiving such an incredible response from the community for “Virtual ShakesBeer: Romeo + Juliet Edition,” we’re looking forward to returning with “ShakesBeer: Hamlet Edition,” says Orlando Shakes artistic director Jim Helsinger. “Through this fun, lighthearted event, we are able to bring our community together in such a delightful way, even in these difficult times when we cannot gather at the theater.”

There may be benefits to experiencing “ShakesBeer” from the transportation free safety of home, considering Helsinger says: “You will have the opportunity to drink a lot … after all, it’s happy hour.”

In 2015, the Sentinel review noted: “If you plan on playing along faithfully, bring a designated driver and possibly a stomach pump.” You have been warned.

The “Romeo and Juliet” performers will be back for “Virtual ShakesBeer: Hamlet Edition” with Neal in the title role. Bonner will play Rosencrantz, Guildenstern and Ophelia, while Shoffner portrays Horatio, Gertrude and Laertes.

The trio will be joined by Tim Williams as the Ghost, Claudius and Polonius. Lisa Hardt will serve as the Narrator/Drinking Guide.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but the Shakes soberly points out: “This event is recommended for audiences 21+.” Cheers!