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The Comedy of Errors

Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company

August 15-September 14, 2008

Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Avast ye mateys and shiver me timbers! If you can imagine the havoc the pirates of the Caribbean would wreak if they came to Italy in the 17th Century, then you will find yourself smack dab in the middle of Shady Shakespeare's production of The Comedy of Errors. Filled with confusion and hilarity involving two sets of identical twins separated at birth, SSTC's The Comedy of Errors is a farcical romp as one master and his servant are mistaken for their mirror-like counterparts.

Thirty three years before the play begins the family of Aegeon and Amelia are ripped apart at sea and washed up on different shores. The loving parents were sailing with their beloved twin sons, each named Antipholus, and their faithful twin servants, each named Dromio. Aegeon and one son and servant land in Syracuse, while Amelia and the other son and servant land elsewhere, only to be separated yet again when "rude" fishermen steal the boy and servant away from her. Aegeon and Amelia separately vow to seek out their family and it is this vow that brings Aegeon to Ephesus in search of his wife, son, and servant lost so many years ago. The people of Ephesus are wary of those from Syracuse and seize Aegeon, sentencing him to death at sunset unless he can find someone in the city who can vouch for him.

On this same day as Aegeon's capture, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio, unaware of Aegeon's predicament, arrive in Ephesus on business. Little do they know that their twin counterparts - Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant Dromio - reside in the very same town. The citizens of Ephesus all mistake the twins from Syracuse for their Ephesian doubles as each Antipholus and Dromio try to make heads and tails of the events of the day. Will Aegeon survive the day? Will each Antipholus and each Dromio find their way to their proper master and servant before the people revolt in the street? Will the family be reunited before it is too late? Come see SSTC's The Comedy of Errors to find out! Fast-paced and full of pirates from the Seven Seas, this production promises delightful entertainment for young and old alike.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: Free ($6 parking per car)

  Info Phone: 408-569-0360

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  August 15-September 14, 2008

  Times:
  8/15-8/17, 8/22, 8/30, 8/31, 9/5, 9/13 & 9/14: 7pm

• Venue Info

  Sanborn County Park

  16055 Sanborn Road Saratoga, CA 95070

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• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: The Comedy of Errors
    "Shakespear Ahoy!"
    Review posted by: Bishopbosco from San Jose, CA, Sep 10, 2008
    

    Shady Shakespeare's second offering in this season Twins Gone Wild is The Comedy of Errors. Director Larry Barrott sets the piece smack dab in the middle of the Pirates of the Carribean with terrific... Expand

    Shady Shakespeare's second offering in this season Twins Gone Wild is The Comedy of Errors. Director Larry Barrott sets the piece smack dab in the middle of the Pirates of the Carribean with terrific results. The set and costumes are excellent. Performances by John Rutski (chanelling his inner Jack Sparrow as Antipholous of Ephesus), Janine Burgener (nice physical comedy and adept silliness as Dromio of Ephesus) and Vera Sloan (a delightful Luciana) lead a uniformally fine cast. "Comedy: has some exposition to slog through at the beginning as we learn of the political situation between Syracuse and Ephesus, hear the tale of two sets of lost twins and get the low down on Antipholous of Ephesus' married life. But once the cases of mistaken identity begin the play really kicks into high gear. Moving at an enjoyable pace until reaching the inevitable happy ending. Arrrr! Collapse

  • Event Name: The Comedy of Errors
    "Ashland can kiss Shady Shakes' Pirate BOOTY!"
    Review posted by: Can't wait to go AGAIN! from San Jose, CA, Aug 17, 2008
    

    I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything... Expand

    I'm the critical sort. I often enjoy seeing a play so that the next day I can complain about how the show might have been improved upon, yet both my husband and I are at a loss here to find anything to complain about. This was the most accessible approach to Shakespeare that I've ever seen. They used a themed approach, that although may sound like it might be merely amusing, worked so brilliantly in combination with the characterizations and excellent direction. Thoroughly entertainig. I've certainly never howled at a Shakespeare comedy before. Gentle titters, maybe, howling and snorting never, until now. If you can imagine Shakespeare combined with commedia, plus a little extra "campiness" thrown in for good measure? The brilliant characterizations lent to even greater appreciation of the play. Some brilliant acting happening. Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! WARNING: Don't forget the mosquito repellant! (Oh, and you'll get used to the parrot...)SPOILER: Pirates of the Carribean! Collapse

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