Theatre ReviewsTom Williams

The Comedy of Errors – Short Shakespeare

short shakespeare the comedy of errors
The Comedy of Errors – Short Shakespeare

Directed by David H. Bell

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Funny, kid approved Comedy of Errors short Shakespeare is a hoot!

In an effort to expose many middle school and high school students to the magic of Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is offering another terrific Short Shakespeare, a 75 minute version of The Comedy of Errors in a Saturday morning production. The show will be performed both during the weekdays at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and as a touring production around the Chicagoland area. With an explanation of what to expect and introduce to the kids by one of the actors, the condensed play was immediately accepted by the young audience.

David H Bell’s energetic production is quickly paced, totally engaging and filled with fantastic physical humor and eloquent speech that exposes The Bard to the next generation. The players connect with the kids with asides, winks and gestures allowing their humor to win them over. The story is introduced with cute silly props that tell us the story line in an engaging manner.

short shakespeare the comedy of errors

The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of twins separated in infancy during a ship a wreck.  Eighteen years later, Antipholus and his servant, Dromio as they land in Ephesus in search of their long-lost twin brothers. As it turns out, the twins are indeed living here and the friends and relatives continually get confused as mistaken identities abound. The manic production features breakneck scene changes, groups chasing one another and some of the funniest slapstick physical comedy I’ve seen. We all laugh and we are completely thrilled by the amazing dexterity and flowing exuberance of the cast.  The use of the in-the-round stage adds more mayhem to the show.

short shakespeare the comedy of errors

Andy Truschinski (Antipholus of Syracuse) and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse (Brian Hamman) together with their opposites, Jackson Doran (Antipholus of Ephesus) and Scott Thomas (Dromio of Ephesus) instigated and perpetuated much of the manic humor. Andy Truschinski being thrown about as a human battering ram was so clever that it brought the house down with laughter.

This is a world class production filled with terrific bits and business and the usual articulate players necessary to land The Bard’s language. The kids loved this show and so will you. For only $20 (adults) and $16 for kids under 18 years of age, this is so affordable that you should take your kids and/or your grandkids to Navy Pier to experience the wonders of Shakespeare. This show is excellent for us old kids too.

Recommended

Tom Williams

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, Call 312-595-5600, tickets $10 – $15, Saturday mornings at 11 AM, Running time 75 minutes with no Intermission, Through March 6, 2010

3 thoughts on “The Comedy of Errors – Short Shakespeare

  • jessica sanchez

    Hey to all of the actors i love the play n the play is in my mind that was the play i ever seen in my life by the way i am from talcott school this is my last year from that school .also i loved andy truschinski n all of u guys ………..

    loved jessica sanchez from talcott school

  • jessica sanchez

    love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Savannah

    I saw this play at school. you guys were really something. i had people staring at me like iwasnuts becasue of how funny this was! You also have really good looking actors! 😀 You guysare amazzing. That is was I really like in these productions. I also helped out before the show with seating and such and i saw Scott (aka Dromio) warming up and that was the best. These guys were amazzing. I want to pursue acting after i graduate and you guys haveset a newstandard for what i want to be like. My teacher says that she is trying to get them back it would be amazzing if that was so!:D

    -Savannah, Dundee Crown H.S. (:

Leave a Reply