8/12/2009 6:00:00 AM Shakespeare gets steamed in 'Comedy of Errors'
The Duchess of Ephesus (DD Wigley) controls her duchy with a firm hand in “The Comedy of Errors” presented at Chetzemoka Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 23. Photos by Kathie Meyer
Nell (Mikaela Euro) blows a kiss to a man she mistakenly thinks is her husband.
By Kathie Meyer of The Leader
When mounting one of Shakespeare's plays, a good director knows that many in the audience are already familiar with the story lines. The challenge, then, is to put some unique twist into the production to keep things fresh; for example, some companies have been known to stage the Bard's work with a Western theme.
In this year's Shakespeare in the Park production, "The Comedy of Errors," Director Denise Winter took the "steampunk" route. Think goggles and monocles, gears and cogs, brass and copper, corsets and top hats. It's really pretty sexy in an odd Jules Verne kind of way, and the effect it has on this madcap tale of two sets of twins separated at birth and accidentally reunited 33 years later is mesmerizing.
Credit costume designer Erin McNamara and hair and makeup wizard Angela Agnew for bringing the magic to Chetzemoka Park this year. When compared to the wild costuming, the set looked somewhat slapdash, but the acting of every character - even those in the smallest of roles - was superb. Clearly, everyone onstage knew they were a part of something special and did everything they could to live up to it. This could very well be my favorite overall cast of the season; I just loved watching each and every one of them.
Special commendation goes to Alex Lovett, who stepped in to play both roles of the Antipholus twins two weeks prior to opening. One year of acting school at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle has served him well, and I hope to see him on stage again before he begins his post-college professional career.
DD Wigley is simply fantastic as Solina, the Duchess of Ephesus, and the Dromio twins (Jesse Wiegel and Raven McMillen) upstage everyone with their comedic expressions and slapstick.
My only complaint was seeing actor Kenneth Reid in character as Dr. Pinch amongst the crowd before his stage entrance. By being visible too early in the game, the effect of his costume was lost when he eventually appeared. Letting the audience see actors in character before their entrance is a big no-no, and I was surprised and disappointed this was allowed to happen.
There's a reason that Shakespeare in the Park is the theatrical highlight of each summer, and 99 percent of everything about this show illustrates why. For those who think following Shakespeare is too much work, I have to say that this play is one of the easiest to "get" for the novice, and I noticed that even the little kids in the audience stayed with it the entire time.
"The Comedy of Errors" definitely has enough steam to bring me back for a second time before the run is over.
Chetzemoka Park is located at Jackson and Blaine streets. The show runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 23. Performances begin at 6 p.m.; seating begins at 5:30 p.m. There are no advance tickets. Those with season tickets, FLEXpass vouchers or gift passes may bring them to the park to exchange for admission.
Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the grass, and to dress warmly. There are a limited number of rental blankets available. Picnic fare is welcome, and light refreshments are available at the concession stand.
For those with limited mobility, Discovery Bay Golf Club provides golf-cart transport from the park entrance at Jackson and Blaine streets down the hill to the performance venue. Sound amplification of the performance is provided.
For more about the show or schedule, call the KCPT show info line at 385-7396 or visit keycitypublictheatre.org.
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