The Comedy of Errors-short Shakespeare at Navy Pier

Highly Recommended ***** How does one introduce their youngsters to “live theater”? In particular the works of William Shakespeare? Well folks, the answer is very easy. Bring them to Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “short Shakespeare” production of “The Comedy of Errors”. First of all this is only 75 minutes of magic on stage. This is the David H.Bell adaptation and  under the direction of Eli Newell on the stage at the new CST “the Yard” we are treated to a marvelous, highly energetic version of one of the greatest comedies “the Bard” brought us.

For thos eof you unfamiliar with the story. The story involves two sets of identical twins. Two of upper class lines and two servants. The royal boys were named Antipholus and the servants Dromio. As babies they were separated and for the most part lost along with the mother of the upper class boys, It comes to be that a proclamation is made about people from Syracuse ( they must die) and the father of these twins, Egeon is definitely from Syracuse. (by the way, the musical version of this story is called “The Boys From Syracuse “). When the second Antipholus and his aide Dromio arrive in Ephesus, the people thing that they are those that have been living there all theses years and all havoc breaks loose. You know, the mistaken identity that many playwrights use to tell their story!

This is kind of a play within a play concept as well. The audience while settling in watches some people bring things to the stage and do sme strange things. At last the actors arrive and begin the tale of the boys and their lives. This is a highly energetic cast of many newcomers to the Chicago scene and many who are not only actors but can handle some gymnastics and juggling as well. There are wild chases and lots of slapstick, but no one gets hurt and it is all in good fun. Even those who shy away from Shakespeare and his “language” will find themselves getting into the story and the action and to be honest not wanting it to end so quickly.

The two Antipholus actors are as follows” from Syracuse , Adam Wesley Brown and from Ephesus, Casey Hoekstra. They are both fantastic. Their Dromio’s are Ian Maryfiled and Sam Linda who are both strong character actors and have great comic timing.

The rest of the cast members are Lillian Castillo ( in several roles, including a big surprise ending character), Drew Shirley who does some great characters, Lawrence Stepney as The Duke ( and others), Nora Carroll as Adriana, wife of Antipholous of Ephesus, her sister Luciana (deftly handled by Phoebe Gonzalez, Nima Rakhssanifar as Angelo and last but not least, three amazingly talented young men who are the ensemble of players handling a great number of roles as well as the gymnastics and circus type of set changes: Jack D. Olin, Samuel Douglas and Richie Schiraldi who is an understudy and with one rehearsel blended in with th eothers to perfection. Bravo, Richie!

The tech aspects were also sheer perfection. Set by Tom Burch, Ana Kuzmanic’s costumes, lighting by Michelle E. Benda, and wigs and make-u by Richard Jarvie. The musical compositions by Jonathan Bauerfield and sound design by Eric Backus were a great feature as we could hear it all ( even without my hearing aids).

While this is truly designed to get kids into Shakespeare, it is in my opinion a great way to get families to enjoy “live theater” together.

Short Shakespeare “A Comedy of Errors” will continue at Navy Pier’s Chicago Shakespeare Theater thru February 29th with performances as follows:

Saturdays  11 a.m.  After each performance, the actors stay on the stage to answer questions from the audience members and then do some meet and greet in t elobby. Learning can really be a fun experience.

Tickets start at $24 for students and those under 18 and $36 for adults.

Purchase tickets by calling 312-595-5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com

Parking is discounted ( bring ticket for validation) and plentiful.

Accessible performances

Saturdays  2/8  Audio described

2/22  ASL Duo-interpreted

2/22   Open Caption

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Comedy of Errors”. Have a ball!

I brought two youngsters with me, both talented young actresses aspiring for greater things. They both loved the show and while it took a few minutes to understand the “language” after awhile “they got it!”. Their reviews below:

Lily Kienzle- 6th grader at Deer Path Middle School  ( pink jacket)

I loved the play because it had so much humor in it. At first Shakespearean was hard to understand, but then it was really easy after a few minutes. The play was written so cleverly.

My favorite part was the “preamble” it was funny how the cast set up for the play and involved the audience to prepare them for what was to come. It cracked me up! I also especially loved the acrobatics! The comedy was very physical and so well done.

I loved being able to meet the actors after the play! I rate it a trillion stars!

Reese H. Also in  6th grade at Deer path Middle School. (blue jacket)

” I think the music was very good. It was a little bit hard to understand in the beginning, but if you pay attention to what the actors are doing, you will catch on. It was avery funny play and I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars!