First they tackled William Shakespeare; then they condensed the Bible, now the RSC -- Reduced Shakespeare Company, that is -- have set their sights on 50,000 years of American American history, from the precolumbian era to President Clinton.

The Complete History of America (Abridged) follows the RSC's usual style of comic condensations complete with anachronisms, puns and slapstick. On Feb. 11, the show comes to CT's Long Wharf Theatre for a two-week run, through Feb. 23.

Cast-members Matthew Croke, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor developed their wild style as a pass-the-hat act at California Renaissance Faires in the 1980s. These "bad boys of abridgement" have played at the White House, Lincoln Center's Serious Fun Festival, American Rep, and colleges from Alaska to Hawaii. A year-long run on London's West End, plus trips to Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and Israel, have also been part of the RSC's itinerary.

For tickets ($26-$39) and information on the Long Wharf engagement, call (203) 787-4282.

--By David Lefkowitz