EclecticPond’s production of Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors takes a confusing play about two sets of identical twins, separated by a shipwreck as babies, who are reunite under unusual circumstances in the city of Ephesus, and manages to make it less confusing through clever staging, a few props, and gifted acting.
One of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, A Comedy of Errors has never enjoyed the accolades of his later works — it is a farce, lending itself to broad physical comedy without the clever banter he became known for in later comedies. Perhaps because it is not as well know as other Shakespeare plays, it lends itself to more experimental staging and readings. Here, director Ben Asaykwee and stage manager Catherine Cardwell go for bold choices and big chances. The staging is theater-in-the-round on a bare stage, save for a large treasure chest. Characters come in from the audience, positioning themselves as part of the set (gates, ships, doors, and the like), then disassembling into their characters. Yes, keeping the players sorted out takes some work on the part of the audience, but the play works — and works extremely well. Before you go, you might want to look at the Cliffs Notes or Wikipedia entry to get the gist of the intricate plot. (There won’t be a quiz later, but it helps.)
Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio of Ephesus, played by Matt Anderson and Ben Schuetz are servants to Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus, portrayed by Zachariah Stonerock and Kate Homan are at the core of the action, supported by clever and smart actors Jaddy Ciucci, Sarah Froehlke, Frankie Bolda, Brian G. Hartz, Bradford Reilly, A.J. Morrison, Meagan Matlock, and Ryan Powell. It’s a big cast, and some play multiple parts, such as Cuicci as Luciana, and also as a Godfather-ish merchant owed money.
Expect some clever pop culture references and a generous helping of mistaken identities before the double twins find each other, their father, and their mother.
Performance are March 7, 8, 14 & 15 – 8 p.m. and March 9 – 5:30 p.m. Tickets (available at http://etc-errors.brownpapertickets.com/) are priced at $15 for adults, $10 for students, educators, seniors and service members/veterans (with valid ID), & $5 for children 12 & under. Service fees are applied when purchasing online. Performances take place at the Irvington Lodge, 5515 E. Washington St.