Slapstick and Silliness Aplenty

Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Already William Shakespeare’s shortest of his plays, this 75-minute adaptation by David H. Bell is a streamlined version of the Bard’s most farcical and fanciful plays. The play, especially in this Short Shakespeare production, offers an excellent introduction to the Bard of Stratford Upon Avon for young audiences. Historically, this play may be one of Shakespeare’s first, with the first performance dating back to 1594. Although scholars have remarked that the comedy shows very little thematic depth, everyone agrees that the play demonstrates Shakespeare’s mastery of action, character and stagecraft. It appeals to lovers of low comedy, with slapstick and silliness aplenty.

Broadly directed by Eli Newell, the farcical comedy begins with a traveling troupe of roving Shakespearean players, assembled to present today’s performance. They’re running late today and in their bumbling hast we see the beginnings of the the slapstick evolving. Choreographed by the authoritative and conscientious Troupe Manager, played with sharp skill by Lillian Castillo, the company hurriedly sets up their makeshift stage for their performance. One of the actors, however, is determined to convince Lillian that they should be doing “Hamlet” instead, but the Troupe Manager’s word is law. Scenic designer Tom Burch, with contributions by Alan E. Schwanke, has created an adaptable set that’s both durable and flexible and can be easily assembled by the actors, before the eyes of the audience during the prologue. Lit by Michelle E. Benda, with sound created by Eric Backus, the production gets into full swing.

The story, which takes place during one very hectic day, involves two pairs of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth. Antipholus of Syracuse, and his manservant Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in the Greek town of Ephesus. There, by chance, also dwells their estranged twin brothers,  Antipholus of Ephesus and his manservant Dromio of Ephesus. Upon meeting the spouse, friends and acquaintances of the Ephesian young men, mistaken identities, wrongful accusations and arrests and a couple romantic encounters inevitably take place. There is a whole lot of yelling, running, jumping, climbing, racing through the audience and assorted tumbling and juggling that takes place before all is resolved.

This is a truly remarkable cast. So versatile is every single company member, that each actor is deserving of his own standing ovation. Besides playing the Troupe Manager, Ms. Castillo also portrays Emilia and a bawdy Courtesan. Antipholus  of Syracuse is brilliantly played by Adam Wesley Brown; while his twin brother, Antipholus of Ephesus is brought to life by Casey Hoekstra. Along with their respective, put upon servants, Dromio of Syracuse (the likably energetic Ian Maryfield) and Dromio of Ephesus (the athletic and lovable Sam Linda), this quartet is responsible for most of the action. 

They’re assisted by a trio of three very versatile young actors who could probably find employment with any Cirque du Soleil. Playing multiple roles with polished physicality and dexterity, Dan Plehal, Jack D. Olin and Samuel Douglas astound the audience with their range of circus skills and sideshow tricks. Add to this company Nima Rakhshanifar, as Angelo the jeweler; Drew Shirley, a tall drink of water, playing several roles, including Luce, the aggressive, saucy kitchen wench; and Laurence Stepney, bringing dignity to the role of Balthazar as well as the Duke of Ephesus. Two other lovely ladies complete the cast. They include Nora Carroll, as Adriana, and Phoebe Gonzalez, as her sister Luciana. In all, this cast is amazing in their devotion and versatility.

Beautifully, colorfully costumed by Ana Kuzmanic, with stylish wigs and makeups designed by Richard Jarvie, David H. Bell’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s broadest comedy is sheer madness and delight. Elie Newell has guided her cast with the skill of a circus ringmaster; there’s action happening everywhere, from all corners of the stage and out into the aisles of the theatre. Following each performance, which is a hit with middle and high school students, there’s an informative question-and-answer talkback with the entire cast. Not only is this production of “The Comedy of Errors” a perfect introduction to Shakespeare’s comedies for young theatergoers, but there’s ample opportunity to meet and talk with this company of gifted Thespians afterward.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 25-February 29 in The Yard, by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 312-595-5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com.

Addition information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.