| The
Comedy of Errors
From the Critics:
“Hey nonny nonny and wild Shakespeare!….I don’t think
you will find a better outdoor Shakespeare event than
Marin Shakespeare Company’s The Comedy of Errors….The
setting is ideal, with hawks soaring over enormous
trees that loom behind the stage so perfectly that
one of them is spotlit during the performance….the
Marin Shakespeare Company’s frenzied version under
Robert S. Currier’s able direction gives the play
just the right touch.  And
the numerous updated sight and sound gags work, even
though you think they shouldn’t – everything from
the “Twilight Zone” theme to the standard football
charge, issued from a minaret to call to the faithful
to the morning prayer….a visual feast so broad and
complex that nobody could hope to take it all in.
There are magicians and snake charmers, fishermen
swallowing anchovies, merchants hawking their wares,
con men playing curbside shell games, muggers and
pickpockets, even a flying carpet that really works….By
the time the enormous cast stages its climactic chase
scene through the twisted streets and doorways of
Jim McKie’s spectacular village set, the audience
is howling uncontrollably.”
Peter Magnani, Pacific Sun
“Fresh, fast and funny theatre – that’s what the
Marin Shakespeare Company is offering in their spirited
production of The Comedy of Errors….Robert
S. Currier has produced a swift paced and humorous
rendition of Shakespeare’s first play with a cast
of talented performers....Jim McKie has created a
handsome set that allows all of the action and comedy
to be seen at its best.”
Al Burgin, Commuter Times
“This production should remove anyone’s misconception
about the difficulty of Shakespeare….The cast throws
itself into a madcap pace and…makes playing Shakespeare
look fun.”
Julia Hawkins, The Gazette
“The impressive set….all of the actors with speaking
parts are not only professional, but good in their
roles. Paul Sulzman as Antipholus is excellent….Ken
Sonkin is a fine Dromio. His athletic skills are breathtaking
– downright frightening at times….Jim McKie is most
enjoyable as Dr. Pinch….The costumes, designed by
Kim Curtis, add to the color and excitement, and so
does the music composed by Bruce Gehrke and Dana Mandell.
Taken as a whole, this is a commendable production
with a spice to it that many should find most enjoyable,
even children.”
Bess Davoren, Tiburon Ark
“There’s a peculiar provincial charm to the Marin
Shakespeare Company’s setting of The Comedy of
Errors, probably in keeping with the spirit of
the play’s Elizabethan debut….sweet in its simplicity
and the picturesque set design by Jim McKie, and fluffy
in its crowd-pleasing exploitation of sound effects,
modern musical themes and quotes….Although I question
the wisdom of casting Angelo, the goldsmith, as a
flaming Turkish take on Little Richard, I must admit
that B. Chico Purdiman carried off the camp with delightful
abandon.” Jeff Kalis, Marin Independent Journal
“not-to-be-missed theatrical event….an abundance of
extraneous and anachronistic schtick – and it all
works….much applause to the Marin Shakespeare Company
for creating the kind of production – a high-energy,
theatrically effective production – that makes this
silly play soar instead of sink.”
Roberta Floden, Marin Scope
(Back
To Highlights)
Marin Shakespeare Company
E-mail Us:
management@marinShakespeare.org
|
