Innovative Take on a Classic Comedy
On the unexpectedly cool Friday evening of August 23, I attended the revised opening of “The Comedy of Errors” at the open-air Forest Meadows Amphitheatre. The delay due to a cast illness didn’t dampen the spirit of the production, which impressed with its innovative approach and the resilience of its all-woman cast. The unique choice to feature women in all roles brought a refreshing twist to this Shakespearean classic.
For those unfamiliar with the play, “The Comedy of Errors” is a fast-paced and humorous story centered around mistaken identities. It begins with Egeon, a merchant from Syracuse, who is arrested in Ephesus. Egeon explains that he has been searching for his long-lost twin sons, both named Antipholus, and their twin servants, both named Dromio. Years ago, a shipwreck separated the family, and now both sets of twins find themselves in the same city without knowing the others are there.
The confusion leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings, including wrongful beatings, mistaken romantic advances, and wrongful arrests, as each twin is constantly mistaken for their sibling. The chaos peaks when both pairs of twins are present, causing everyone to doubt their sanity. The resolution comes when the twins are reunited, revealing the true identities of everyone involved and bringing joy to all.
The talented ensemble skillfully navigated the play’s intricate plot of mistaken identities, delivering a performance that was both lively and engaging. Wilma Bonet’s portrayal of Antipholus of Syracuse stood out, bringing charisma and depth to the role. Rebecca Pingree, who also contributed as a Co-Properties Artisan, added a delightful touch of humor to the proceedings.
The ensemble cast, each bringing their own flair to the performance, included:
- Wilma Bonet (Member of Actors Equity Association)
- Keiko Shimosato Carreiro (Member of Actors Equity Association)
- Emily Cummings
- Valerie Fachman
- Elizabeth Jones
- Asha Bagal Kelly
- Charisse Loriaux (Member of Actors Equity Association)
- Rebecca Pingree
Set in a cooper’s workshop, the production’s design by Nina Ball effectively transported the audience to Elizabethan England. Jon Tracy’s lighting enhanced the mood shifts throughout the play, while Tammy Berlin’s period-appropriate costumes added authenticity to the characters.
What made this production particularly interesting was the director’s imaginative concept of having an all-woman cast, a nod to what might have happened if women had taken the stage in Shakespeare’s time. This fresh perspective added a new dimension to the performance, challenging traditional gender roles in theater and highlighting the talents of the female cast.
While the production was engaging, it’s worth noting that familiarity with Shakespeare’s language and style enhances the enjoyment of the play. The fast-paced dialogue and complex wordplay can be challenging to follow, but for those well-versed in Shakespeare, this adds to the charm and humor of the experience.
Overall, “The Comedy of Errors” offers an interesting and thought-provoking take on a well-known comedy. The all-woman cast brings a unique energy to the play, making it an enjoyable experience, especially for those who appreciate Shakespeare’s work.
