Shakespeare’s & Sullivan’s Genius Overflows with Laughs & Wit

by Robert M. Gardner

Looking for a fun afternoon with the family in a beautiful green park in Marin? Director Michael Gene Sullivan has adapted Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”—and Forest Meadows Amphitheatre fits the bill perfectly.

At Marin Shakes, a renegade troupe of women have taken over Shakespeare’s stage. Sullivan has assembled a stellar all-woman crew to resurrect the comedy with a new, more inclusive sensibility. Now it’s women who play all the roles, never seen in Shakespeare’s time.

“The Comedy of Errors,” Shakespeare very first comedy, delights us with farce, absurdity, and confusion. The mistaken identities lead to serious problems, including distrust of immigrants and marital infidelity. Suspicion, then distrust, and the threat of divorce raise their threatening heads. But fear not—the conflicts gives way to hilarious slapstick.

In the raucous comedy, the wonderful Charisse Lauriaux plays Antipholus of Syracuse, while her long-lost twin, Antipholus of Epheseus, is played by the equally wonderful Valerie Fachman. The twins are mistaken for each other, leading to lots of laughs.

The confusion is compounded by their sidekicks: Dromio of Syracuse, played by amazing Keiko Shimosato Carreiro; and Dromio of Ephesus, played by the equally amazing Rebecca Pingree. We are plunged into a world of hidden identities, disguised immigrants, and social injustice that unfolds with comic brilliance.

With great comic flair, these two sets of strangers create comic hijinks that rock the stage, proving that yes, women can and do rule the theater.

Nina Ball’s wondrous half-timbered set shines with originality and creative flair. Ball recreates an Elizabethan barrel maker’s workshop in magnificent detail. Multiple stairs and balconies place the actors above the stage, or they make surprising exits and entrances. Just the sight of Ball’s playful, witty stage makes us want to join the frenzied action.

Director Sullivan moves along the dialogue at breakneck speed. When I moved down closer to the stage, I could better appreciate the poetry and the interactions. Many subtleties in the costume and speech reward close, careful attention. Up close you can hear and see the marvelous, detailed work.

Elizabeth Jones shows her comedic chops as Emilia, the long-lost mother of the Antipholus twins. Jones also plays The Abbess, wearing a giant Nun’s Crown (think Flying Nun) as she comically sings a high operatic note every time she appears on the balcony above the stage.

For the closing musical number, Sullivan has chosen Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which certainly fits this zany comedy. Sullivan’s updated woman-run “Comedy of Errors” provides fun and entertainment for the whole family in a beautiful park setting. Don’t miss this new look at a favorite Shakespeare comedy.

 

“The Comedy of Errors” by William Shakespeare, adapted & directed by Michael Gene Sullivan, set design by Nina Ball, lighting design by Jon Tracy, costume design by Tammy Berlin, sound design by Ben Euphrat.

—at Marin Shakespeare Company, San Rafael. Info: marinshakes.org – to September 15, 2024.

Cast: Wilma Bonet, Keiko Shimosato Carreiro, Emily Cummins, Valerie Fachman, Elizabeth Jones, Asha Bagal Kelly, Charisse Loriaux, and Rebecca Pingree.

Banner photo: Wilma Bonet, Charisse Loriaux, Emily Cummings. and Elizabeth Jones. Photos: Jay Yamada.